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THE HISTOET OF HAILSHAM. 



THE HISTORY 



PARISH OF HAILSHAM, 



THE ABBEY OF OTHAM 



PEIOEY OF MICHELHAM. 



By L. F. SALZMANN. 



" . . It is unprofitable to study the history of a state in isolation ; not 
wars and treaties only, but the internal vicissitudes of the commonwealth form 
the real subject matter of enquiry, and the smallest details, biographical, 
economical or topographical, may have the greatest value." — Macaulay. 



6 ' 

ICetDtd : 

Fabnoombe & Company, Limited, Peinters. 

1901. 



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PREFACE. 



TjlOB the existence of this book I make no apology ; the compilation 
"^ of the history of an obscure parish, if it does not render any great 
aeirice to either literature or science, has its value, and if the result 
of my work be to induce others to perform a similar service for other 
localities — not, however, using this book as a model — it will have 
justified its publication. Writing for the antiquary, more especially 
the Sussex antiquary, rather than the general reader, I have preferred 
to keep my book within reasonable limits by cutting down the 
*' padding " rather than by sacrificing any original material ; I have, 
however, endeavoured to connect the details together so that the 
result may be something more than a dry string of facts ; if I have 
failed, those who have attempted a similar task will, I am sure, 
sympathise with me. 

The district covered in the following pages is practically untrodden 

ground: it is true that in 1884 Thomas G^ering, shoemaker, of 

Hailsham, published a book entitled <* Our Parish," containing some 

fifty chatty little essays on Hailsham and its inhabitants in the earlier 

part of the nineteenth century, but though amusing and locally 

interesting, it made no pretence to archeaological value. Otham Abbey 

was the subject of a paper in the fifth volume of the Sussex ArcheBO- 

logical Society's '' Collections " by the Be v. O. M. Cooper, who also 

wrote an article on Michelham Priory in the next volume of the 

^ ''Collections." Neither paper was very exhaustive and the latter 

\ especially contained Beveral mistakes. Comparatively little, therefore, 

\ of the matter that follows has been brought together before, and 

V much is here printed for the first time. While it does not contain 

^ any startling discoveries it wUl, I think, be found to throw a certain 

N^ amount of light on the early history of this part of Sussex. I may 

. mention, for instance, the probable identification of two Domesday 

N^ names not previously located, and the exact date at which the manor 

.] of Laughton came into the Pelham family, which I believe was not 

^ known. The very large number of names, all of which are indexed, 

.^^ should be of considerable interest to the Sussex genealogist, and the 

' ' student of monasticism will, 1 hope, be interested in the visitations of 



IV. PREFACE. 

Michelham Frioiy and the account of the election of a prior. Of some 
of the shortcomings of this work I am already aware and others will 
no doubt be revealed by the omniscient reviewer; there is, however, 
no need for me to point them out here. 

As regards the sources of my information : as a rule I have gone, 
when possible, to the original document quoted, and when a direct 
reference is given it implies that I have myself verified that reference; 
in every case, I trust, in which the quotation is made second-hand I 
have given the authority therefor; — [Cai.] implying that the authority 
is one of the calendars, printed or manuscript, in the Eecord Office. 
In many cases I have given documents in full not so much for the 
value of the details to my own subject as for their possible value to 
others working on kindred lines. That I have occasionally misread 
and misunderstood my material is more than probable ; I trust, how- 
ever, that these mistakes are neither numerous nor important. 

There only remains the pleasant task of thanking the many who 
have given me generous and valuable assistance, and I hope any 
whose names I may omit will accept the assurance of my gratitude. 
My especial thanks are due to Lord Hawkesbury for the detailed 
pedigree of the Medley family and their descendants, to Messrs. Hunt, 
Ourrey & Nicholson for free access to the Otham Court Bolls and other 
important documents, to Messrs. Gadsden & Treherne for free access 
to the Court Eolls of Downash and Bowley, and similarly to Sir 
Bobert Baper for the Bishops' Registers ; also to the Rev. W. Hudson, 
F.8.A., the Rev. G. Hennessy, W. Dunkin, Esq., and J. E. A. Gwynne, 
Esq., F.S A. Especial thanks are also due to P. M. Johnston, Esq., 
for several excellent photographs of architectural features of Michelham 
Priory ; also to the Committee of the Sussex Archaeological Society for 
permission to use two of their wood-blocks and to reproduce the plate 
of Otham chapel; also to Mr. E. Smith, of Hailsham, for leave to 
reproduce certain photographs. 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter I. 



PAon 



Hailsham — Situation and Extent — Population — Bounds — 
The " Liberty " and " Foreign " Divisions— Their Bounds l~8 

Chapter II. 
A General Description of the Parish 9 — 18 

Chapter HI. 

Pre-Norman Eemains — The Name, Derivation and Varieties 
of Spelling— Domesday Book — Descent of the Manor — 
and of the ViUi— Market 19—34 

Chapter IV. 

General History — Jews in the Thirteenth Century — An 
Early Mention of the Common Pond — Hundred Bolls — 
Official Corruption — A Fourteenth Century Drinking 
Bout — John of Bocholte and Those in Authority — Jack 
Cade's Rebellion— End of the Feudal Period 35—46 

Chapter V. 

History Continued — The Eeformation — Generalities — 
Puritans, and their Names (Christian and Otherwise) — 
Papists — The Commonwealth — Sale of Royal Property 
— The Eighteenth Century — The Parish Clerk and the 
Affidavit — Churchwardens' and Overseers' Accounts — 
Doctor Long — The Workhouse, and Poor Relief — 
Eccentric Spelling — Military History — Sport — Recent 
Events 47—66 

Chapter VI. 

Downash — Identical with La Doune — Descent of the 
Manor — Lewens Manor — Bowley Manor — Amberstone — 
Magham Down — Har cheating — Polegate 67 — 78 

Chapter VII. 

The Liberty of Pevensey — Its Quarters — Surveys — Wil- 
lingdon Manor— Pevensey Castle and Chapel — Alciston 
Manor and Battle Abbey — Lands held by Other Religious 
Establishments 79—96 

Chapter VIIL 

The Church — Possession Disputed — Settlement, and Ordi- 
nation of Vicarage — Suggested Date and Manner of 
Foundation — Miscellaneous Notices — Injured by the 
Early Puritans — Glebe — Descent of Advowson and 
Rectory— Architectural Features 97—122 



VI. CONTENTS. 

Chapter IX. pages 

Vicars and Assistant Clergy— Cliiirchwardens 123 — 140 

Chapteb X. 

Genealogy — Lists of Inhabitants — Nonae Roll — Subsidies 
— Muster Roll — Parish Register — Poll Book — Land- 
owners in 1780 141—152 

Chapteb XL 
Genealogy —Notices of Certain Families 153 — 172 

Chaptee XIL 

Otham — Pedigree of de Dene — Foundation of the Abbey — 
Early Rent^ — Removal to Bayham — Pedigreo of Brade 
— Benefactions — Architectural Remains — History Sub- 
sequent to Removal — Existence as a Parish 173 — 190 

Chapteb XIII. 
Descent of the Manor 191—197 

Chapteb XIV. 
Michelham — Pedigree of de Aquila — Foundation of the 
Priory — The Park of Pevensey — Benefactions to the 
Priory — Royal Visit — Churches of Alfriston and Fletch- 
ing Obtained 198—213 

Chapter XV. 

Priors and Brethren — Petitions — Appointments — John 
Leem, an Energetic Prior — Visitations — Bad State of the 
Priory, and of Monasteries in General — Heretical (Lol- 
lard) Opinions — Resignation and Election of Prior — 
Dissolution 214—238 

Chapteb XVI. 
Architectural Features — Suppression of the Priory — Valua- 
tion of Tjands- and of Goods— Descent of the Property 
—and of the Manor of Michelham Parkgate 239—258 

Appendix I. 
Marriages, 1558—1600 259—266 

Appendix II. 
Consents of Marriage, 1653—1658 267—272 

Addenda bt Coebigenda 273 — 275 

Glossaby 276—277 

Index Nominum 279—301 

Index Locobum 302 — 308 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Map of thb Parish of Hailsham Frontispiece 

Hailsham from the Church Tower to face Page 9 

Hailsham Church — ^The Chakcel „ ,, 97 

„ „ Architectural Details ,, „ 113 

„ „ North Aisle „ „ 119 

„ „ Ain) Vicarage „ „ 123 

Otham — Farm and Chapel „ „ 173 

Pedigree of the Family of Medley „ „ 196 

MicHELHAM Priory — From the North-west „ „ 198 

„ The Vaulted Eoom „ „ 214 

,j Seal and Fireplace „ „ 220 

„ GROuin) Plan ,, „ 239 

„ North Wall of Refectory.. „ „ 240 

„ Carved Boss and Capital . . „ „ 241 

„ Vaulted Room and Slype . . „ ,,242 



LIST OF SUBSCRIBEES. 



Allchin, W. H., Eeq , M.D., Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, W. 

Barchabd, F., Esq., Horsted Place, Uckfield. 

Beckett, A., Esq., Anderida, Westham. 

Blaxeb, R., Esq., 6, Wallands Crescent, Lowes [2 copies]. 

BoR&EB, Liin)FiELD, Esq., Henfield. 

Bottomley, H., Esq., The Dicker, Hellingly. 

BoTJRDiLLOK, F. W., Esq., Buddington, Midhurst. 

Brighton, The Public Library. 

Broad, J., Esq., 5, Bank Street, Ashford. 

Brown, J. Ellman, Esq., Shoreham. 

Buxton, Miss Wilmot, Hailsham. 

Champion, C. G., Esq., Deans Place, Alfriston. 

Clay, Rev. W. J., Broadwell, Gloucester. 

Coles, J. B. Campion, Esq., Hardwycke, Hailsham. 

Crake, Rev. E. E., Jevington Rectory, Polegate. 

Cunningham, Miss A., Gayford, Hailsham. 

Curteis, H., Esq., Windmill Hill Place, Wartling. 

Dawe, Miss E., Satterthwaite, Cumberland. 

Downs, Mrs. W., Hamsey Cottage, Seaford. 

DuNKiN, E. H. W., Esq., Rosewyn, 70, Heme Hill, 8.E. 

Eden, Rev. A., Ticehurst Vicarage. 

Farnoombe, Jos., Esq., Saltwood, Eastbourne. 

Fletcher, Rev. J. C. B., Mundham Vicarage, Chichester. 

Fletcher, W. H. B., Esq., Aldwick Manor, Bognor. 

Fowler, Mr. E. S., Cornfield Road, Eastbourne. 

Gilbert, C. Davies, Esq., Manor House, Eastbourne. 

Gray, Mr. H., Goldsmiths' Estate, East Acton, W. 

Gray, J. S., Esq., Manor House, Honor Oak Road, London. 

Guy, Mr. D., Kirby Croft, Hailsham. 

Guildhall Library, The, London. 

GwYNNE, J. E. A., Esq., F.S.A., Folkington Manor, Polegate [2 copies]. 

Hall, J. Eardley, Esq., Barrow Hill, Henfield. 

Harvey, Rev. F. C, The Vicarage, Hailsham [2 copies]. 

Haslewood, Rev. F. G., LL.D., Chislet Vicarage, Canterbury. 



LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. IX. 

Hawkesbubt, The Bight Hon. Lord, F.8.A., Kirkham Abbey, York. 

HxTDSOK, Rev. W., F.S.A., 15, Hartfield Square, Eastbourne. 

Jennbb, Mr. C. U., High Street, Hailsham. 

Johnston, P. M., Esq., 92, Grove Lane, Denmark Hill, S.E. 

Jones, E. T., Esq., Capesthome, 1 96, Upper Grosvenor Eoad, Tunbridge 
Wells. 

Kent, A., Esq., Boybton, Hailsham. 

Leoge, W. Heneage, Esq., Bingmer, Lewes. 

Lucas, J., Esq., Foxhimt Manor, Waldron. 

LiTZFORD, J. S. 0. BoBERTSON, Esq., Higham House, Bobertsbridge. 

Maitlani>, a., Esq., Friston Manor. 

MiLFORD, Bev. L. S., Haileybury College, Hertford. 

Nicholson, J. A., Esq., Lewes. 

Pannett, a. B., Esq., Hayward's Heath. 

Patching, J., Esq , 139, Ditohling Bise, Brighton. 

Pitcher, J. Carey, Esq., Hailsham. 

Bamsbotham, J., Esq., Stony Boyd, Hkely, Yorks. 

Benshaw, W. C, Esq., K.C., Sandrocks, near Hayward's Heath. 

Salzmann, Mrs. F. W., Kensington Palace Mansions, W. [2 copies]. 

Sinker, Bev. A., 60, St. James' Boad, Bermondsey, S.E. 

Smith, B. Cunliffe, Esq., Glenleigh, Hankham, Hastings. 

Smith, Mr. W. J., 43, North Street, Brighton [2 copies]. 

Stephens, Very Bev. W. B. W., The Deanery, Winchester. 

Stevens & Brown, Messrs., 4, Trafalgar Square, W.C. 

Strickland, W., Esq., J.P., Gortlandt, Hailsham. 

Sussex Archaeological Society. The, Lewes. 

Sutton, T., Esq., Eastbourne. 

Terry, H., Esq., Brightland Boad, Eastbourne. 

Vine, H., Esq., Eastbourne. 

Warren, J., Esq., LL.B., Handcross Park, Sussex. 

Wilkinson, Bev. H. Noel, Thatched House Club, St. James' Street, S. W. 

Wright, Bobert, Esq., Herstmonceux [2 copies]. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



CHAPTER I. 



The parish of Hailsham lies in East Sussex, in the rape 
of Pevensey, hundred of Dill, some seven miles north 
of Eastbourne and twelve east of Lewes (the exact 
situation of the church being ^Lat. 50** 51' 48"*2 north, 
Long. 0** 15' 39-3" east). It is bounded on the north by 
the parishes of Wartling and Hellingly, on the west by 
Arlington, Wilmington, Folkington and Jevington, on 
the south by Jevington and Wiflingdon, and on the east 
by Westham, Pevensey and Herstmonceux. At its 
greatest extent, from north to south, it measures just 
over five miles, and from east to west three miles. The 
total acreage is *5,330 acres, consisting mainly of pasture, 
with a certain amount of arable and wooa ; the whole 
of the parish is situated on the wealden clay, with the 
exception of the extreme northern portion, which is on 
the Tunbridge Wells sand, and the alluvial soil of the 
marshes; the rateable value in 1899 being £18,052. 

"In 1801 the parish contained 132 houses and 897 
inhabitants; in 1811 the population was 1,029, and, 
continuing to increase at about the same rate, in 1821 it 
was 1,278, and in 1831, 1,445; by 1861 it had risen to 
2,098, and in the last census return, 1891, was 3,369. 
Since this date the population has increased very con- 
siderably, owing partly to the growth of the neighbouring 
town of Eastbourne. 

1 " Horsfleld's Histoxy of Suaaex." 

> According to Horsfield, 4,454 acres ; and in the Tithe Commntation Book of 
1842 it is estimated at 4J40 acres, of which 1,212 were arable, 14 being under 
hope, 1,975 marsh land, 660 meadow, 257 woodland, 120 common lands. 

» "Shoberl'B History of Sussex." 

B 



2 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Amongst the papers in the church chest is a detailed 
survey of the bounds of the parish, made in 1829. It 
is, unfortunately, not quite complete, the north-eastern 
boundaries not being given, but what there is of it is of 
some interest and, if followed on the map, will give a 
fairly good idea of the position and nature of the 
boundary marks and, incidentally, it gives a certain 
amount of information as to the landowners of the time. 
The survey commences at the extreme north and continues 
down the west side of the parish. 

The Boundries of the Parish of Hailsham May 28 1829 begining at 
the Cross way near Garters Comer at the Stone wear the 4 Parishes* 
meet Comencing along by Carters Comer house down the Eoad to 
Ambrous stone Gate to the Bridge, which Eiver or Stream following 
by, Turning sudenly to the Left to Spindle Bridge, then Turning to 
the right following the Water coorse between M' Biekman land and 
M' Longleys at Harebeatin^ to M' Eickmans lower Brook and following 
the Water course through the Middle of the two Brook to the Hailsham 
Koad from Ambrous Stone and diractly crossing the Boad to a flat 
stone lying in the Ditch being an Anctient Boundary mark, from 
thence sudingly turning to the Eight along the Ditch on the Southwest 
side of the Eoad leaving the short piece of Eoad in Hellingly to the 
Pinick going across the Turnpike Eoad near to Oxleys, passing on 
the same water course leaving Oxleys house and Qarden in Hellingly 
and taking the shale and Cottage and one field of M' D. Eickman in 
Hailsham Parish to Hawkes Wood crossing the Turnpike Eoad at the 
Pinick into Hawks Wood, following the Watercoares through the 
Wood to the Middle of the Eoad at Hellingly Workhouse wear 
the Pinick is going up the Eoad to ^lip + taking half the road in 
Hailsham Parish to the Turnpike at lip +. Turning the comer 
across the Pinick ajoining Arlington Parish leaving HelBngly Parish 
and keep on up the Boad past Hemsted house to Knockhatch Stream, 
then Turning short to the left round the stream Down to Fosters lower 
Greenfield adjoyning M' Waters field called Burnt Land then up 
Fosters Green field adjoyning M' Waters com field to the comer of 
Bushej'field Wood, Turning short up to the right to the Watercourse 
Ditch to a feild of Jno. Foster leading round adjoyning Busheyfield 
Wood to Fox Hall land to the Pinick through M' Woodwards land up 
the stream leading to M' Ingrams land to the Hop Garden Wood to 
the end of GKlridge Wood Wilmington, Tuming to the left leading 
to Eobin Post Lane Tuming to the Left hand taking half the road in 
Hailsham, adioyning to Folkington Parish, leading down to some 
Boxes (?) the left hand side of the Eoad then tum to the right hand 
side over into the Wood across the Wood between M' Ingram and 
M' Harrison leading between L** Geo. CaV* and M' Harrison, out to 
the Turnpike Eoad, Tuming to the right adjoyning Folkington Parish, 

^ Hailsham, Hellingly, Warbleton, Herstmonceux. * Leap Gross. 



raSTORY OF HAILSHAM. 3 

the Wall below B. Osbomes house up the Turnpike Eoad to end of 
nett Wood to knaveR acres in Wilmington parish along the Turnpike 
Eoad to the first Piniek near the Crossways adjoyning Jevington 
parish, Then turning across M' Fielders Firzefield to a stone in the 
headge across the next field to another stone in the Hedg^ Bow, 
turning to the right hand along past the Hovle to the Piniek along 
the Stream to the right out to the Oak trees out at the Turnpike Eoad 
crossing the Turnpike Eoad to a Boundary Mark in the hedge in 
M' Alfreys field then crossing the Midle of the Field to a Flat stone 
in the hedge lying their for the last Forty Tears over the hedge across 
the Old Eoad leaving Jevington in the middle of the Wood over the 
•Kiddy into the Morths adjoining Wilmineton Parish round to the 
North Comer of the upfield belonging to M' Alfrey turning to the left 
alons^ the rafE Morth Down to the lower comer turning suddenly to 
the left to the Watercorse Ditch following the Watercorse leaving 
Jevin^on Parish on the right to the lower part of M' Lanctry second 
field then turning suddenly to the right along by the side of M' Lams 
10 acres up to the Turnpike Eoad taking the Turnpike Eoad in 
Hailsham parish turning to the right along the Turnpike as far as 
the old hedge, then turning sudenly to the left along the Scorewells 
to the corner adjoining Jevington parish leaving Folkington to the 
right Down the fields by the row at the Top of leading out to Warick 
Lane, then turning sudingly to the left along the short piece of Eoad 
to the Paygate, turning sudingley to the Eight taking half the 
Turnpike Eoad to the Piniek across the Eoad leaving Jevington 
Parish, then turn down the stream to the left adjoining Willingdon 
Parish, following the stream to the lower part of M' Fielders Brook 
leaving the stream turning sudenly to the Left up the Ditch between 
M' Filders Piece called the hayfields ; Turning suddingly to the left 
along the headg row to the comer of Folkin^on peace crossing the 
Water corse leaving Folkington to the right, then crossing the Koad 
alon^ the headg turning to the left along M' Whitmill field leading 
up his field to the Old Blind Lane then turning sudingly to the Eight 
along the Old Blind Lane adjoining Folkington parish as far as the 
Crossway adjoining Westham Parish and Ditons Wood wear the two 
lanes meet Turning down the lane to the left and along the lane 
down to a small gate leading into Garden £sq'~ Land along the hedge 
past the two oak Trees leading down to the Marsh Ditch then along 
the marsh ditch between M' Pinyon and M' Drays marsh ground 
along that ditch to Malors sewer Turning short to the left round the 
sewer to the Turnpike Eoad then turning to the right to Marling 
Bridge from thence turning to the left following the sewer past 
Glyndle down the sewer to the front of Honey Crocks then turning 
short to the right to the Arch, crossing the sewer on the left, Along 
the sewer to Glynly Gut leaving Westham Parish. 

Here the survey ends. Several of the places mentioned 
will be found on the map, and the position of the others 
can be easily ascertained from the details given. 

• Kiddy=a faggot stack. 

B 2 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



Besides the town of Hailsham, which lies round or 
rather to the west and south of the church, there are 
several hamlets within the parish, namely, Cackleburv, 
adjacent to and continuous with Hailsham proper on the 
south-west; Polegate, the most considerable of these, at 
the south, with a railway junction and a church ; Magham 
Down, at the extreme north, with a mission room ; and 
Harebeating, between Magham Down and Hailsham. 
Amongst the more important farms may be mentioned 
Amberstone, Moorbrook (now called Mulbrooks), Sare- 
land, White Dyke and Marshfoot. The manors within 
the parish are Hailsham (otherwise called Earsham), 
Bowley, Downash, Otham and portions of Michelham 
Park Gate, Willingdon, Gotham, Alciston and Berwick. 

A considerable portion of the parish — about two-fifths 
— ^lies in the ancient Liberty of Pevensey, the Lowey or 
Liberty being a district that enjoyed certain privileges 
and exemptions in return for services rendered with the 
Navy of the Cinque Ports, of which Pevensey was one 
of the members. The portion of the parish outside the 
Liberty is distinguished by the title of Hailsham Foreign. 
The boundary between the two divisions runs, beginning 
at the east, down the marsh road, leading from New- 
bridge to Hailsham Church, turning to the south some 
way before Marshfoot Farm is reached ; close to White 
Dyke it makes a deep bend to the east, just taking 
White Dyke in the Liberty portion, then following the 
road to Downash and thence to where the railway gates 
now are, it bends towards the south-west corner of the 
parish, making, however, a deep divagation so as to leave 
Mulbrooks in the Foreign portion, coincides for a short 
distance with the boundary of the parish, then turns 
sharp to the east and follows the Polegate road to the 
eastern border. Why Mulbrooks should be thus carefully 
left in the Foreign portion is a puzzle, more especially as 
in the sixteenth century not only was Moorebrook — the 
ancient name of this estate — ^within the Lowey, but it 
gave its name to one of the numerous ^^ quarters" into 
which the Lowey was divided. I am inclined to believe 
that the original boundary of the Liberty ran across 



HISTORY OF HATTi8HAM. 

north of Mulbrooks to the western border of the parish. 
Why it should have been altered I cannot say, nor when, 
unless it was about 1723, at which date I nnd that the 
term ^^the Liberty portion of Hailsham" in the Court 
Book of Pevensey Hundred was changed to ^^ Dewnash 
and Otham." One reason for holding that the boundary 
has been altered at this point is that the bounds of the 
"Borough" or "Half-hundred" of Hailsham, as given 
in the two following sixteenth century surveys, are 
identical with those of the Liberty down to here, but not 
beyond. The date of the first of these surveys is 1563. 

^HaJf Hundred of HayleBham parcell of Hundred of Dyll. 

T ^l^TT^-^^^ jJohnSwa^e j Eichard Harmer 

Jurors < Nicholas Prester < Laurence Nevell { -p -d « • 
( John Twysdeane ( William Sheperde ( ^''^^'' iJrasier 

Beginneth at Horsebridge and leadeth to Haukesgrene in parish of 
Hellingley, thence to Amberstone, to the woode of Sir Eicharde 
SackyiSe knight called Muntrickes Woode thence to the further end 
of Mountgonibre Downe as the watercourse leadeth to the Comer of 
Wanmore and so into Lawrens Wades lands which is in the parish 
of Herstmounseuz thence to the Hve standing woode of the said 
Lawrence. And thence to Milkingfeldes corner, to crosse Bowie, 
thence to Sackfeldes Furlonges. From thence to Sir Eichard Sackvyle's 
mershe called Sackvile, Frome thence to a pece of londe called Grene- 
londe. And so to a Peretre which standith now by the common sewer 
And so to Newbridge, Frome thence to Wallandegate thence to Hocke 
Gate thence as the way lyeth to Hamgate, thence to a Marke Oke in 
Ham. To hamme Lane and so along the said lane to a pondehedde 
in gardeners lande. Thence as the way leedyth to Buntes comer. 
Thence to Shadewell comer as the way Ledythe to Bamardes Comer, 
thence to the comer of yersham as the watercourse leadith to Woobones 
Outt, as the watercourse leadith to Bowens Gutt crosse the Eeden to 
Okley comer, cross the Wallandes to the comer of the Hake in 
Ldtljm^on And so cross Haylesham lande unto a gate of the lands of 
MicheUham And so from thence ledinge downe by the lane to the 
comer of Littlehempsted in the parisshe of Haylesham Frome the 
said comer to Stameasshe Eyver And so as the Eyver leadith to 
Horsebridge aforesaid in the parish of Arlington. 

Other lands within the said half -hundred not included above : 

Beffinneth at Growebridge which is in the parish of Hellyngley and 
leadim to Matchinges Comer and so as the way leadith downe to the 
Eiyer ; thence as the water course Leadith to Growbridge aforesaid. 

Beginneth at the comer of the West side of the Myllstone And so 
leadim as the way lyeth to Powlegate Comer And leadith as the 

' Duchy of Lancaster: ** Miecellanea," Div. xviii., 3. 



6 HISTORY OP HAILSMAM. 

water ooune commeth croBse the streate at Powlegate to the Byver of 
Wannocke and so to Wannockebridge Thence to the corner of Wotton 
Thorowffhe the lande. Thence unto the higheway which leadith 
thorow^e the same lande And so to the pounde of Yame streate, 
thence to the Millstone aforesaid. 

There is one \ / Manners \ Gottham — Gregory Fynes Lord 

paryshe within the ( TT„^i«aiio*« ) within the ( Dakers. 

said half hundred ( ^ayieenam < ^^ PariBshe ( Bowley — Richard Sackvfle 
which is ; \ Be ; knight. 

Memorand. that within the said half hundred are two Commens 
wherof thone is called Megham Downe thother is callyd the Commen 
of Haylesham. 

The next survey, though only sixteen years later, is so 
far different as to justify its insertion here. 

1679. * Inquisition : Jurors return that y* Borough of Hailsham is 
within y* Liberty of y* Duchy of Lancaster and within y* pishes of 
Hailsham, Hellingley, Arlington and Herstmonceuz, and ooundeth 
first from GroTe Bridge Corner as y* High Street leads to Mortimans 
Comer and between Hailsham market place and 'H . . . field, from 
Mortiman's Comer to a Watercourse running against Rob' Prior's 
house and thence to Vinall, as y* Watercourse leads to Grove Bridge — 
from Hurstbridge to Hawkes Green and so by a little watercourse 
leading into the High Street which goes to Amberstone, thence to 
Allendown and along y* street, there, doth cut in and leadeth to y* N° 
Comer of Megham Down, and as a watercourse leadeth between 
Megham Down and Tanners, leadeth to y* end of a Hedge Row in 
Lawrence Wades Lands, bending to the Highfeild and thence towards 
y* upper comer of M' Tho* Roots wood and thence along y* outward 
Bound of y* said Tho* Roots lands to King's Brook ; thence to an 
Hawlder Oak standing between Bowliefield and Arlattfield, thence to 
a pond of Master Cheyneys of Crawley, thence to Sackfield Garden, 
thence to a pear tree standing at Megham Gutt, thence to New Bridge, 
thence to Homestalls Gate, thence to Wallengate, thence to Hook 
Gate, thence along y* street to Coolsgate, thence to Hamsnes Gate, 
thence to a great oak in W" Edward's ground, thence to Hamm Land, 
so into Gardners land to a pond against a house some time Tho" 
Harvis' ; thence alon^ y* street to Brunts Comer and Shad wells Comer, 
thence to Uplands Comer and Barnets Comer and so by Barnets 
Hedee to a Water Gt>ssell to Wobum gutt; from y* Gossell of 
Woobum Gutt to Bonny Gutt, thence to Ryden, as y* Slank leadeth, 
into Ockling Comer, thence between two ponds in Highwall Lanes to 
y* comer of y* Hayeck beside Litlington, thence to y* West Comer of 
Coolbrook, thence to y* East Side of Gardhoope, thence to y« River 
that runneth from Horsebridge, so to Horsebridge ; — on 3'* west side 
of y* Millstones called y* Abbots Borough, thence to Poolgate into a 
meadow leading to y* Watercourse to Wannock Stream, thence to a 
comer that leadeth to Wannock, thence to a Lane turning to y* West 

8 Add. MSS., 5,681. » Htuithfield. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 7 

and from y* Lane to y* Mount of M' J» Selwyn, thence to Cutt Crofts, 
y lands of Eich'* Kenchley, and from Cutt Crofts to y* Pond, to y* mill 
stone, as the way leadeth. 

It will be noticed that there is considerable difference 
in the nomenclature of the two surveys. Both really 
start from Horsebridge, the first paragraph of the later 
survey corresponding to the first of the two detached 
portions given in the earlier, the second portion being 
represented by the last paragraph. Mountgombre Down 
and Allendown appear to correspond and doubtless take 
their names from landowners, tnough I have met with 
no other mention of any Montgomery; Wanmore, a name 
that we shall meet with several times in our historical 
part, is the comer of Megham Down ; the pond of Master 
Cheyneys was probably one of those on what is now 
Gillridge Farm. In three cases trees form boundary 
marks, two of them — the pear at Megham sewer and the 
oak at Ham — occurring m both surveys; crossing the 
marshes five successive gates are given and anyone who 
is well acquainted with the marsh will realise that they 
are the most conspicuous and frequently the only available 
landmarks. Of these Homestall Gate is half-way between 
Newbridge and Marshf oot ; Wallande Gate is where the 
boundary turns to the south, and Coolsgate where it bends 
in front of White Dyke. Yersham is Long Ershams, on 
the west side of the road, between the old **Swan" 
beerhouse and Downash. From this point the exact 
course of the boundary is rather hard to trace, but 
apparently it ran straight across north of Mulbrooks and 
Summer Hill to the parish bounds; High Wallands is 
Highlands Farm and the gate into the lands of Michelham, 
i.e., Coolbrook, I identify with the gate into the wood 
called on the Ordnance Map Bushey field, and Starnash 
river is the little stream which runs to the Cuckmere, 
past Goldup Shaw, the Gardhoope of the survey, on the 
west of Hempsted lane. 

The second detached portion con'esponds exactly with 
the southern point of the parish outside the Liberty, the 
Abbots Borough being presumably the same as Otham 
Quarter, or the Castdry of Otham, as it is called in a 



8 HISTORY OF HAILSUAM. 



thirteenth century deed ; that is to say, the part of the 
Liberty connected with the Abbey of Otham. The other 
portion at Grove Bridge, in Helungly, is very small and 
IS distant from the nearest point of Uailsham parish by 
more than a mile; why it should have formed part of 
Hailsham half-hundred is hard to say. 







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CHAPTER !!• 

Having now considered in detail the bounds of the parish 
and its divisions, it will be as well to describe shortly 
the parish as it now is before passing to the historical 
portion of our subject. For this purpose we will begin 
with the town. The Market Square, the centre of the 
old town, as the railway station may be said to be of the 
new, lies to the south-west of the church. Into it run 
four roads — five if ^* Stony lane" be counted — and in its 
centre till about 1800 stood the market cross, a simple 
structure resembling that whose mutilated shaft and 
base still stand in the pictm*esque old Sussex village of 
Alfriston ; from its steps doubtless it was that on ^^^^ The 
XXX day of marche (1603) James the sixte Kynge of 
Scotland wast proclaymed Kynge of England in the town 
of Haylsham ^ — an announcement that was probably 
received by the worthy inhabitants with unentnusiastic 
stolidity ; and from its steps half a century later were 
published the Consents of Marriage, or Banns ; but after 
surviving the iconoclastic zeal of the Puritans it was 
c(Hidemned for obstructing the traffic and swept away, 
probably without a voice being raised on its behalf. At 
the north-east comer of the Square is the entrance to 
the churchyard, under a brick arch between a tavern, 
christened by some cynical humourist '* The Good 
Intent," and an old house, one room of which, with 
low-pitched roof of projecting timbers, is now used on 
market days by the London, County and Provincial 
Bank. Adjoining is a nice old house of brick, with a 
band of stone dividing its two storeys. Its present owner, 
who rejoices in the good old Sussex name of Burtenshaw, 
tells me that during certain repairs the date 1583 was 
found carved on the -woodwork of the interior. South 
of this house the road from Marshfoot enters the Square; 
then the new Post Office, built in 1893 to replace an old 
timbered building, once the Parish Workhouse and before 

10 Church Kegister. 



10 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

that the ^^Fleur de Luce" Inn, that stood at the south- 
west corner of the Square, that is to say, on the opposite 
side of the Horseye Road, till it was burnt down in that 
year, its site now aflfbrding, with dramatic lustice, a 
shelter for the town fire engine. At the soutn-westem 
angle a narrow passage, Stony Lane, leads from the 
Square to what was formerly the Common, and at the 
north-west corner, between George Street and the High 
Street, is an old half-timbered house, of which the upper 
storey projects slightly over the pavement. This old 
house is always known as ^* the comer" and has been so 
known for generations — ^for centuries, in fact, if I am 
right in identifying it with the " ^^ messuage in the market 
place of Hayleshara being * le comer house,' " alienated 
m 1697 by William Stonestreete, clerk to Thomas 
Colbrond, and by him to Nicholas Sennocke, in whose 
tenure it then was. 

Northwards from the Square leads the High Street, 
lined on either side with a pleasantly iiTegular row of 
houses, most now with such up-to-date shop fronts that 
it is hard to realise the antiquity of many of them ; but 
go up on to the church tower and run your eye over the 
quaint old red-tiled roofs, with their deep pitch, sharp 
angles, dormer windows and massive chimney stacks, 
and they will carry you back beyond these days of 
plate-glass, gas and window displays, to the '^ spacious 
times of Queen Elizabeth." This row of houses on the 
right, from the Square to '^The Willows," has been there 
these three centuries and more, backing right into the 
churchyard, with gravestones peering in at the ground 
floor windows. Why, at this end, where the '* Good 
Intent" tavern is, lived John at Mill in the days of 
Richard III. and, as like as not, his father before him. 
One of the row has perished ; that one, next to the west 
gate of the churchyard, used to be Austin's, the gun- 
smith's ; burnt down some three years ago ; stood a long 
while an unsightly ruin ; bought at last for the parish 
and levelled, affording a view of the church tower. 

" Court RoUb of Manor of Michelham Park Gate. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 11 

These houses belonged to Charles Stuart, King and 
Martyr, or traitor, according to some men ; but of how 
they were sold and who owned them you will find an 
account further on. 

On the opposite side of the road the houses are of 
much the same age, except that one new red-brick shop 
has replaced an old stone-built warehouse. Just beyond 
this, standing back a bit, is the Crown Hotel, the oldest 
of our inns. In 1632 Nicholas Stonestreet, yeoman, 
bequeathed to his brother Henry '* the house John 
Humfrey now dwelleth in called theCrowne at Hailsham," 
and in 1715 William Stonestreet, clerk, alienated to 
Thomas Colbron ***^the messuage called the Crown Inn 
with stabling, &c.," and in 1717 Stephen Coney is 
assessed for '^ the Crown house," which is rated at £6 
per annum. The churchwardens' accounts of the end 
of the eighteenth century, with their frequent entries 
of sums '^ spent at Thorpe's " — then landlord of the 
Crown — show that it was then popular; and now the 
Corn Exchange room, at the back of it, is the scene of 
most of our concerts, entertainments, election meetings 
and other amusements. The ironwork of the sign that 
swings above the entrance was made at the smithy which 
formerly stood on the other side of the road. Facing 
the Crown is ^' The Willows," the house now occupied 
by Dr. McDonnell, and before him by Drs. Billmg, 
Cunningham and, I believe. Long, the latter of whom 
was in practice at the end of last century. Then comes 
the Parsonage Field, adjoining the church. On the west 
side of the road again is a block of three houses ; in the 
first of these ^^lodged, about the year 1809, Captain 
Barclay, of the 23rd Foot, famous for his athletic powers 
and especially for his gi-eat walk of 1,000 miles in 1,000 
hours, out also for his enormous strength and correspond- 
ing appetite. The third of these houses, being separated 
from the block of modern buildings — Bellevue Terrace — 
that follows, displays the whole length of its side running 
some way back, the upper storey half-timbered, with an 

" Covat Rolls of Manor of Michelham Park Gate. " " Our Parish.*' 



12 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

outside stairway leading down to the garden. Beyond 
this the houses are for the most part modern, though 
behind Kerridge's large furniture warehouse, further 
along on the same side, there are several old cottages, 
including a wheelwright's shop. Immediately opposite 
this point is the printing office. Our local press has had 
an existence of certainly 115 years, and the time is by 
no means beyond the memory of many when the village 
of Eastbourne had to come to Hailsham town to get its 
printing done, " mais noits avons change tout cela" and 
now Eastbourne has a press of its own and newspapers 
and a mayor and other luxuries and, giving its name to 
an electoral division of the county, pretends its voters 
never had to come to Hailsham to register their votes. 

Further on we come to the Methodist Chapel and then 
the Police Court, built in 1861, opposite to which is the 
Infants' School, built in 1880, at the comer where North 
Street enters the High Street, facing *' St. Wilfrid's," a 
house standing well back from the road in its own 
grounds, formerly a cottage attached to the mill which 
then stood there, but was afterwards moved down to 
Harebeating. Then on the left the ^'Grenadier" public- 
house, built in 1803. Amongst the papers in the chm^ch 
chest is a deed by which William Stevens, of Berwick, 
and J. Worger, of Alfriston, who are about to build a 
house in the field now Mr. Benjamin Shelley's, near the 
Barracks, on Hailsham Common, for the purpose of 
supplying beer for the use of the barracks, bind them- 
selves to Mr. Isaac Clapson, gent., that Richard Wood, 
innkeeper, of Hailsham, shall have half a share of the 
business. Mr. Clapson, being chm'chwarden, thought, I 
suppose, that the parish chest would be the safest place 
to keep this bond in ; at any rate, there it is. Next 
comes '^Wellington Terrace," while on the right the road 
to Battle turns off; crossing the railway bridge, on the 
left is the New Road leading to the Recreation Ground, 
and a little further on. Leap Cross, where we meet the 
parish boundary, which runs to the left, past a picturesque 
thatched and half-timbered cottage, down Henapsted 
Lane^ between Tilehurst Wood and Hempsted Farm, 



HI8T0RT OF HAIL8HAM. 13 

with high hedges on either hand, till a little before 
Knock Hatch, where it turns to the left and crosses the 
fields; to the right it crosses the railway bridge and 

S asses down the road to the Hailsham Union, a forbid- 
ing barrack-like place, surrounded by a high wall. 

Returning to the Infants' School; the buildings on 
either side of North Street are mostly private houses of 
some size, of which we may mention '* Hardwycke," a 
low and rather long house with good grounds, now in 
the occupation of Mr. J. B. Campion Coles, who succeeded 
the widow of Colonel Sinnock, of the East India Service, 
who built the opposite row of houses and gave them 
Indian names ; the house was formerly a school — 
Weston's "Academy." At the end of the road, adjoin- 
ing " Kirby Croft," is the " East Sussex Auction Mart" 
Now, turning sharp to the left, we pass up George Street. 

The first house, on the left, is a picturesque old place, 
considerably enlarged by its present owner, Mr. William 
Strickland, J. P. It was formerly the residence of Major 
Van Cortlandt, an American Royalist officer, to whose 
memory there is a tablet in the church, a descendant of 
the founder of New York, who settled here after the War 
of Independence as barrack master. At the sale of the 
property of Mr. Slye, a later owner, an Eastbourne dealer 
bought for a few shillings a miscellaneous lot, which 
included a dull little picture. This he sold, as is the 
custom of dealers, for considerably more than he gave 
for the lot to a gentleman, who had it cleaned, when it 
proved to be a good Dutch work, for which £150 was 
subsequently refiised. This was most probably a relic 
of Major Van Cortlandt. The next house, standing 
back amongst trees, was built some sixty years since by 
Mr. H. C. Sinnock, who died in 1888, the last of three 
generations of lawyers, the first of whom was practising 
in Hailsham in 1779 and earlier, as in that year ^*he 
acted as deputy for Mr. Hy. Burtenshaw, steward of the 
Manor of Bowley. Facing these two houses is a paddock 
containing a few deer and a clock tower erectea by Mr. 

" Gonzt RoUfl of Manor of Bowley. 



14 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

Strickland as a memorial of the first Jubilee. By the 
side of this paddock a road runs to a collection of 
cottages near the Station, passing the Church Room, 
built in 1895 at a cost of £700, with a class room added 
in 1897 by two parishioners to commemorate the twenty- 
fifth year of the Rev. F. Clyde Harvey's vicarship. 

Returning to George Street we pass two old houses, 
one of which is a barber's shop and has been for 120 
years or more, for **^ John Gibbs, who died about 1830, at 
the age of 95, held it for 57 years ; and possibly it was 
here that lived '* John Hudson of Hailsham Perukemaker 
one of the constables of the Hundred of Dill," who in 
1746 made a distress on the goods of Richard Austin for 
three years' rent unpaid, seizing a variety of articles, 
from a warming-pan to a wood trug and from a powdering 
tub to a young stag, as is set forth at great length in a 
document in the church chest. On the opposite side is 
the old village smithy and then the George Hotel, an 
old house, but not so old as the Crown. Then, after a 
few more houses, we re-enter the market square. 

Now, taking the road by the side of the Post Office, we 
pass the Vicarage on the left and two old cottages, one half- 
timbered, on the right and come to the edge of the hill on 
which the church stands, whence we obtain an extensive 
view of the marshes of Pevensey level with the sea 
beyond, the martello towers on the beach and the mass of 
Pevensey Castle lying between the churches of Pevensey 
and Westham; and more inland, rising from the green 
plain, wooded hills from which stand out the spire of 
Herstmonceux Church and the windmill, now sailless, 
of Windmill Hill. At this point, between the Garrett 
Fields and Packham's Nursery and Tea Gardens, Marsh- 
foot Lane descends between high hedges for about a mile 
to Marshfoot House and Farm. The house is an old 
one, much rebuilt, but still retaining evidences of its age 
in its thick walls built of sandstone, small stone-cased 
windows and high roof. Tradition says it was a grange 
of Wilmington Priory, but it is more likely to have been 

" ** Our Pariah/' 



mSTOBY OP HAILSHAM. 16 

connected with either Bayham or Michelham. The pond 
by the side of the lane is said to have been used by the 
smugglers coming up from Pevensey Bay as a hiding 

{)lace for their kegs of spirit. Behind the farm a path 
eads across the fields to a grassy lane that straggles, 
picturesquely unkempt, through hedges abounding with 
blackberries and other berries to a quaint little thatched 
and timbered cottage, from which a road leads past a 
farmhouse and some brickfields to Harebeating Mill, 
coming out into the Magham Down road opposite Hawthy- 
land Wood. Turning up to the left we pass a few old 
brick cottages and the brewery, and just above the Board 
School, erected in 1878, emerge into the High Street, 
which takes us back to the square. 

Leaving the market square by the road to the south, 
just beyond the Post Office is a low house, part of which 
IS now used as a branch of the Lewes Bank, and then the 
high wall of the market. Opposite is a good eighteenth 
century house and a little furtner on the Baptist Chapel, 
after which a road turns down past Bellbanks, a little 
thatched cottage, to the common pond. Continuing down 
the main road we find two more old houses, one of con- 
siderable size, on the left, and then a break occupied only 
by fields, till we reach a collection of modern cottages 
round a windmill, a little beyond which are the remains 
of an old timbered cottage, fast falling to pieces. Then, 
close to a thatched house, the road turns sharply to the 
right and becomes a country lane and, soon turning 
again to the left, enters the marshes and runs through 
flat treeless grazing land to White Dyke Farm and on to 
Horsey e and Rickney, both of which are just outside the 
parish. From Rickney the road leads through prettier 
scenery, marshland still, but plentifully dotted with 
bushes, chiefly of hawthorn, to Downash, now a large 
farm but formerly a manor house, and thence back to 
the town, passing on the way a flat stone lying in the 
path by the hedge, which is one of the boundary marks 
of Pevensey Liberty. A little before the common pond 
is reached two new roads are being made and small 
houses springing up rapidly, and in the field next to the 



16 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

pond stood till this year a pretty old half-timbered cottage, 
but it has now been swept away. The road meets that 
from Bell-banks at Buttsfield Place — ^possibly the portion 
of the common set aside for archery in accordance with 
the law of Edward IV., which ordered that every parish 
should have a piece of land for the practice of archery — 
and proceeds past the Railway Station and a number of 
cottages and shops, mostly erected during the last two or 
three years, till it meets North Street and George Street. 
From this point it formerly passed between the present 
Drill Hall and the isolated square warehouse, once for a 
short while the barracks of the Salvation Army, across 
where the railway to Tunbridge Wells now runs; but 
when this line was formed the road was diverted over 
the present railway bridge, on the other side of which it 
turns to the right and passes the Recreation Ground, a 
field of five acres laid out in 1855, the ground of the 
Hailsham Lawn Tennis Club and the new football field, 
all on the left, and seven or eight private houses on the 
right. Close to an old farmhouse it ends and from here 
one path leads across the fields to Knock Hatch Farm 
and another through several fields to Tilehurst Wood — 
the field before the wood was, I think, the last hop garden 
in the parish — and by a pleasant path through the wood 
to Hempsted Lane. 

Returning to the west side of the railway bridge, we 
take the road to the south ; on the right is Devonshire 
Place and on the left, at right angles to our road, Gordon 
Place, both quite recent. Then, on the right, comes the 
factory of string and twine, the chief industry of the 
town and formerly, in the time of its founder, the late 
Mr. Burfield, of greater importance than at present — 
almost the only fact that the guide books can find to say 
of Hailsham is that this factory ^^has the privilege of 
making the ropes with which criminals are hanged at 
Lewes," a source of income only slightly less precarious 
than the manufacture of smoked glasses through which 
to watch solar eclipses. Beyond the factory is a lane 
leading into the fields near Knock Hatch; then, after 
passing the King's Head public-house, two old red-tiled 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 17 

cottages, of which the nearer to the road appears unlikely 
to survive many more winters; then, a little further 
down, two others, thatched, and facing them a third, 
a tiny little picturesque, uncomfortable place, seeming 
scarce able to support the weight of its great thatched 
roof that comes down almost to the ground. And here 
a road turns off to Arlington and Michelham across the 
Hide, receiving on the way, at Robin Cross, Robin Post 
Lane that runs for two miles through the woods towards 
Wilmington, a most delightful walk in dry weather, but 
for the most part, that is to say beyond the borders of 
Hailsham parish, impassable in wet, being a good example 
of the roads of olden days that earned our county such 
unenviable notoriety — '' Sussex full of mire and dirt." 

The road now leaves the houses — Cacklebury ending 
at the crossways — and ascends gradually between trees, 
the wood on the right continuing over the crest of the 
hill, while the coppice on the left stops a little way below 
^* Woodside " house. At the top of the hill, where a road 
leads off down to Summer Hill and to Downash, is a 
new house, *' The Homestead," as yet hardly completed. 
Whatever may be said of its design, which is uncon- 
ventional even to eccentricity, it certainly commands a 
splendid view, from Hailsham on the north, with its 
picturesque church tower, round over Pevensey levels to 
Eastbourne and the Downs above Polegate on the south. 
A little beyond is Nightingale Place, another large new 
house, and then the road descends in one long hill almost 
to Polegate, with hedgerows of oaks on either hand. 
Just before reaching the uninteresting village that has 
sprung up round the railway junction of Polegate, a lane 
leads off on the left, soon dividing into two branches, 
one of which goes past Otham to the road from Glen- 
leigh to Peel House, while the other runs past Sareland, 
with its long red roof and heavy chimney stack and 
incongruous modern front of stucco, through the low- 
lying Saltmarsh, often flooded in winter, to Peel House. 
From here the road runs back towards the town, past 
Mulbrooks Farm and the railway gates, being connected 
with the Polegate road by the lane that comes down from 



18 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Summer Hill past the rope-walk and enters this road 
below the cemetery, which contains four acres and was 
opened in 1872. Opposite the cemetery is *^ Sandbanks" 
house and farm and the Quarry Pond, the only sand- 
stone in the parish, from which the stone used in the 
fabric of the church is said to have been quarried. Then, 
on the right, comes Ersham Lodge, a good house, with 
large conservatories and good grounds, separated from 
the cemetery by Ersham Farm. On the same side follow 
a row of har(fiy-finished houses, mostly semi-detached 
villas of fairly good design ; and behind them are two 
new roads on land formerly part of Knight's Nursery, 
where smaller houses are springing up in rows. Here 
the road re-enters Cacklebury and unites with the Pole- 
gate road. And here our survey may finish and in the 
next chapter begins the historical portion. 



CHAPTER IIL 

There appear to be no remains of the pre-historic period 
in the parish of Hailsham, save an occasional flint imple- 
ment. It is true that ^^ the Amber stone" at Maghara 
Down has abrogated to itself the dignity of a ^^ Druidic" 
monmnent ; but, unfortunately, this claim appears to be 
as unsupported by evidence as are the vague, magical 
properties sometimes ascribed to it, of which I can only 
assert that the local belief that ^^ when the Amber stone 
hears the clock at Hailsham strike twelve it shifts its 
position" appears to be well founded.*® Nor, indeed, 
would one expect to find many remains of the earliest 
inhabitants, as previous to tne Roman invasion, and 
indeed for some time after that, the greater part of the 
land must have been either swamp or forest, traversed 
no doubt by more or less definite tracks and with here 
and there a collection of rude huts in a clearing, but 
nothing of a permanent character, for no evidence has 
yet come to light of the Sussex marshes having been used 
by lake dwellers. The British gold coin ploughed up at 
Polegate in 1872 may be said to belong to the period of 
the Roman conquest, or slightly earlier ; it is one of the 
many varieties of barbarous imitations of Macedonian 
coins, and is illustrated on page 270 of the 26th volume 
of the " Sussex Archaeological Collections." 

The Romans also have left few traces of their occupa- 
tion. In a field on the east of the road at Polegate 
large quantities of pottery have been found during the 
last thirty years. Some of this appears to be Roman; 
other pieces are very coarse and rough, with rude 
indentations for ornament, and are evidently British. 
Nothing but pottery has been found, but it would seem 
as if this field had been the site of a small settlement 
for some little time during the Roman period, and it 
tends to confirm my opinion that a Roman road ran from 

^ It may be as weU for me to add that, owing to ite great age, the stone has 
become "rather hard o* hearing." 

c 2 



20 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Eastbourne through Ratton, where it was possibly joined 
by a small road from Seaford, through Hailsham and 
Herstmonceux, by Gardener Street and Boreham Street. 
This is, however, merely a theory, based on circum- 
stantial evidence of perhaps rather an inconclusive nature, 
I am informed by Mr. Wm. Strickland that at the time 
the railway between Hailsham and Tunbridge Wells was 
being made a considerable quantity of pottery was found 
at the back of the house now occupied by Mr. Campion 
Coles ; the pottery, however, appears to nave been very 
fragmentary, and the few pieces I have seen might be 
ascribed to the Saxon period with as great probability as 
the Roman. 

Nor have the Saxons left any record behind them, 
save that the name itself of Hailsham tells of its Saxon 
origin, meaning probably the settlement of Hella, Heile, 
or some such name. The spelling of the name varies 
considerably, as Hamelesham (in Domesday only), 
Alisham and Halisham, Eylesham, Heilsham, Helsham 
(seventeenth century), Alsom (eighteenth century) and, 
most commonly, Haylesham. Bearing in mind ^Ella's 
famous sack of Anaerida, which is usually now con- 
sidered to be Pevensey, it is tempting to associate his 
name with the subject of our research ; but the pitfalls 
of etjmiology are many, deep and ignominious, and 
scathing scorn is the lot of the unfortunate author 
who ventures on a romantic derivation. Possibly, how- 
ever, the name may be connected with the adjective 
^^ haile," meaning safe. 

With the Norman Conquest we quit the realm of 
shadowy conjecture and come to the comparatively firm 
land of documentary evidence, and in the great Domes- 
day survey, compiled about 1085, we meet with the first 
reference to Hailsham. Under the possessions of the 
Earl of Mortain is entered: '^ In Pevenesel Hundred. 
William holds one hide and a half of the Earl at 
Hamelesham, and they vouch for so much. Alnod held 
them as "allodium. There is land for 4 ploughs. There 

n Allodiums an hereditary estate. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 21 

are 4 ^^bordaxs with one ox, and 2 salterns of 7 shillings. 
In the time of King Edward they were worth 110 
shillings now 20 shillings. In this manor the Earl has 
retained 11 salterns which are worth 24 shillings and 6 
pence." 

That Hamelesham is intended for Hailsham there 
can, I think, be no doubt, though Mr. Hussey in his 
** Churches of Kent and Sussex" wishes to identify 
Hamelesham with Westham, and suggests Haslesse, in 
Essesswelle Hundred, for Hailsham, a gratuitous exercise 
of his imagination apparently unsupported by any 
evidence. Apart from the probability that Westham" 
was not in existence at this time, the difference between 
Haslesse and Hailsham is extreme, while Hamelesham is 
certainly not more unlike the present name than many 
well-authenticated names in Domesday. Also the fact of 
a portion of the parish being in the Liberty of Pevensey 
corresponds with its entry under Pevensey Hundred, and 
further, the former owner, Alnod, had. also held the 
adjacent manor of Harebeating. This Alnod had been 
a man of considerable importance in the time of Edward 
the Confessor. In two instances he is mentioned as Cild 
Alnold, a prefix more or less equivalent to esquire and 
familiar to all who read Byron in the title of one of 
his best known poems, ^^ Child Harold's Pilgrimage." 
Besides Hailsham and Harebeating, we find that he 
owned property in Wartling, a manor in Hailesaltede 
Hundred (near Netherfeld and Whatlington), Alciston 
Manor ana lands in Totenore Hundred at (Jharleston, 
Wilmington and Ovingdene, and the manor of Shelves- 
trode in East Grinstead, and also land at Bridham and 
Barnham in West Sussex — unless this was another Alnod. 
Who William, the Norman tenant, may have been it is 
impossible to say. 

A noteworthy point about this entry is the number and 
value of the saltpans; of these there were 13 and they 

^ Bordarii = cottagers. 

1* W^estham was probably built in consequence of a charter granted 9th John 
to the Barons of Pevensey to build a town between Pevensey and Langucy (see 
Horsfield). 



22 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

were worth over 308., roughly equivalent to as many 
pounds of modem money. There are 285 of these 
saltpans mentioned in the survey, of which the average 
value was 2s. 5Jd., some being worth as much as 5s. each. 
The last worked in Sussex were those at ** Apuldram, near 
Chichester, which were still in use in 1815. 

We will now trace as far as possible the history of the 
manor. It appears to have passed with the Barony of 
Pevensey when that noble estate was granted by Henry 
I. to Gilbert de Aquila on its escheating to the Crown 
by the Earl of Mortaine's rebellion. In Henry II.'s time, 
however, Burrell states that ^^Sir Richard Covert, of 
Bradbridge, was Lord of the Manor of Haylesham. This 
may have been during the time that the Barony or Honor 
of Aquila, as it was called from its connection with the 
family of Aquila, was in the King's hands before he 
regranted it to Richard de Aquila, as it was in the hands 
of Gilbert III. de Aquila in 1228, at which date he 
*^ granted the advowson of Heilsham Church to Miclielham 
Priory; his lands were forfeited to the Crown in 1235. 
In 1251 the manor was certainly in the possession of 
Peter of Savoy, who held the Honor of the Egle at that 
time, for in that year he obtained a ^charter for a market 
to be held in his manor of Heylesham. In the ^Assize 
Roll for 1263 is recorded the following case : Peter of 
Savoy, by Wyghthard de Karum, his steward, impleads 
Nicholas de Horesey that he with other men of the vill 
of Horesy on the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin came 
to Yverikesham, in the parish of Aylesham, to a certain 
fee held of the said Peter in villenage and threw down 
a grange and carried off goods to the value of 20 marcs, 
by which he has suffered loss to the amount of £20. 
Nicholas claims that the men of the Liberty of the 
Cinque Ports are exempt from all jurisdiction except the 
^Schipweye, but is unable to bring documentary proof, 
and failing to appear on the appointed day the sheriff is 
ordered to distrain him. In the same Roll is another 

» " S.A.C," Vol. V. « Charter RoU, 36 Henry III., m. 7. 

« Add. MSS., 5,681. " Aeeize KoU, 912. 

*» Tftt., 13th Henry III. 2* The Coiu-t of the C^que Ports. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 23 

suit: Peter of Savoy, by Wychard de Karum, who 
prosecutes for the Crown, claims against Robert le 
Hoppere and Matilda his wife 4 messuages and 14 acres 
of land in Aylsham, and against Aluered le Rug 2 acres 
there, and against William le Macun 2i acres; which 
should be in the King^s hands as his escheats of the lands 
of Normans : Robert, son of John de Iverikesham, is 
their warrantor : judgment, that the King have the land 
and that the defendants recover lands of the same value 
against Robert, son of John, who says that he has no 
freehold, what he has he holds in villenage. As the fee 
of Iverikesham is said in the first of these records to be 
held in villenage this Robert was probably the tenant. 
In 1278 a nephew of his, ^ John, tne son of Remigius, 
claims against Alianoi'a, Queen of England, a messuage 
and 80 acres of land in Heylisham, of which John de 
Iverykesham, his grandfather, was seised in demesne. 
This fee I believe to be identical with Yersham, or 
Ersham, the alternative title by which, as we shall see, 
the manor of Hailsham was afterwards called. The two 
names do not at first sight appear much alike, but if 
pronounced with the broad *' burring" Sussex accent it 
will be seen that the change from Iverikesham to Ersham 
is really a slight one. 

In ^^ Thorpe's Calendar of the Battle Abbey Charters" 
is given a Deed of Release, dated 1280, by Adam 
Launde, of Estbum, to Robert, son and heir of Peter 
de Cranebroke, Lord of the Lands of Heilesham, of 
land, vesture of corn, &c., in Hevlesham; witnessed by 
John Franklyn and John le Peiet' (=the skinner), of 
Burne. But this title, Lord of the Lands of Hailsham, 
is probably not equivalent to Lord of the Manor, 
whatever it may mean. The next dated entry bear- 
ing on this subject is the ^Return of the Lords of 
Townships made in 1316, in which the hundred of 
Thille is stated to be in the hands of Margaret Queen 
of England and John Marmyon is given as Lord of the 
vill of Haylesham. 

» Assize Roll, 914. ^7 Palgrave's ** rarliamcutary Writs." 



24 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

How far the vill of Hailsham corresponded with the 
manor is hard to say, but the lands held by John Marmion, 
of his manor of Berwick, afterwards formed a considerable 
item in the manor of Hailsham, as will be seen. Amongst 
the Sussex Charters preserved in the Bodleian Library is 
the following interesting document:* 

I, William Marmyun have granted and quit-claimed to my men of 
Haylesham the charter which they have of Bobert Marmyun my 
father in these words : — These are the services and customs of my 
men of Haylesham which should be rendered to their Lord Eobert 
Marmyun at Berewik, namely ; on the feast of S^ Martin one measure 
of salt, and he who brings it shall have his dinner given him ; and at 
Christmas nine hens and a cock, and the bearer shaU have his dinner ; 
and at Easter one hundred eggs, and the bearer shall have his dinner ; 
and in summer four strong men to mow the Lord's meadows for one 
day, and on that day the mowers shall have two meals ; and in autumn 
four men or women to reap the Lord's crops for one day, and on that 
day the reapers shall have two meals : also they shall be answerable 
ad Hecchum de Pevensell to the amount due for one knight's fee : also 
when Sir Eobert Marmyun makes his eldest son a knight the said 
tenants shall give Sir Eobert 20", and at the marriage of his eldest 
daughter 20% and for ransom of his body during a national war 20" : 
and Sir Eobert Marmyun quit-claims to the said tenants all other 
exactions, saving such service as is due to the King for one knight's 
fee ; and they shall attend the Halimote of Berewyk by four tenants 
whenever summoned : and Sir Eobert and his heirs shaU pay yearly 
to the said tenants four shillings from the land of Pyckehay to discharge 
the rent due to Sir Eobert Agwillon and his successors : and in return 
for this sealed ^ant the said tenants have given to Sir Eobert Marmyun 
one hundred shillings sterling ; witnessed by. Master Adam, Will, de 
Burgton, Eichard de Helingelehe, Eandulph de Brade, Michael de 
Kelle, Walter de Aurrinff^eton, Eobert de Manekesey, Eemigius de 
Bosco, Qervase White (Albo), Simon le Burc', Alan Cropp, Simon 
de Hemstede and others. And because my said men of Haylesham of 
their own free will have acknowledged to me {i.e., William) that after 
the death of any of them the heir is bound to pay to me Eelief to the 
same amount as he pays for rent ; therefore I will and grant that all 
my men of Haylesham and their heirs after payment of Eelief shall 
have free entry into their lands, as by right they should ; and that 
they shall be 6ee from Heriot henceforth : Saving however to myself 
the rent and services of the land of Eobert of Pj^kehey and of the 
land of Eobert le Mus of Haylesham. Moreover I have quit-claimed 
to them all that rent of salt, fowl, and eggs, and the reaping and 
mowing which they used to perform, for 100' paid to me and a yearly- 
rent of 4' S** to be paid at Berwik at four terms of the year with 
100' 18^ rent of assize due to me by custom : and whoever brings the 
rent shall have his dinner in the court of Berewick when he has 

« Sussex Charters, 167. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 25 

brought the rent there. And that this grant may be valid I have 
affixed my seal to this my writing. Witness, Sir William Manny un 
the Lord's Knight, Sir William Maufe, William de la Dune, Eichard 
de Norwood the Lord's clerk, William de Bestenover, Master Peter de 
Haylesham, Simon de Hellin^ele^he, Eichard le Brade, Walter de 
BoBco, Thomas Faucheham, Eidiard de Hydenhye, Nicholas de Horsye, 
and many others. 

There is no date to this charter, but it must have been 
executed before 1298, in which year William Marmion 
died ; while the charter of Robert appears from the 
names of the witnesses to be about 1270 at latest. This 
latter is of considerable interest for the details given of 
the services due jBpom the tenants, a good example of the 
feudal tenures which, as in this case, were frequently at 
a later date commuted for a money payment. Not only 
are articles of food to be providea and work to be done 
on the land, but a provision is made by the careful knight 
for times of extraordinary expense, the festivities in 
connection with the knighting of his son, the dower of 
his daughter, and his own ransom if captured during a 
war, but in this last case only apparently if the war is a 
national one {guerram regm\ which would not include 
any private expedition either as free-lance, crusader, or 
under a foreign leader. The arrangement by which food 
is to be provided for those performing the various services 
was probably made because of the distance, some six 
miles, of the court of Berwick from Hailsham. What 
the '^ Hecchum " of Pevensey was is not known ; the 
term appears again, as ^^heccagium," in the services of 
the manor of Otham ; it hardly seems likely to be in any 
way connected with a special kind of fishing net, which 
is the derivation given by Ducange. The freedom from 
heriot will be found noted in the seventeenth century 
rental given below. 

The first of the family of Marmion ^^ in England was 
Robert, who in the time of William I. settled in Warwick- 
shire; his grandson of the same name granted the lordship 
of Berwick to his son Robert above mentioned in 1227. 
William was succeeded by John, possibly his nephew, 
who in 20 Edward I. obtained a charter of free-warren 

'-^ Dugdale*8 Baronage. 



26 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

in Berewick and Pikehay (in HelKngly). John died in 
1313 and was found seised of the manor of Berewik, of 
which an extent is given in the ** inquisition held at 
Hailsham, although no mention is made of Hailsham 
there is an entry of ^^rent of assize of freeholders, 100" 
per annum received at four terms of the year," which 

Srobably refers thereto. John, his son, aged 30 at this 
ate, succeeded him, and his daughter Amice married 
John Grey of Rotherfield TOxfordshire), who died in 
33 Edward III. seised in ner right of the manor of 
Berwyk held of Queen Philippa as of the Honor of 
Aquila. Their granddaughter Elizabeth married Sir 
Henry FitzHugh, whose son Sii* William died in 1452 
seised of that manor, and his gi'anddaughter married Sir 
John Fiennes, and it will be seen that it is in the hands 
of his descendant Gregory Lord Dacre that the manor 
of Hailsham, under that name, first occm's. Philadelphia, 
daughter of Henry Lord Dacre, married Sir Thomas 
Parker of Ratton, who was second cousin to Sir John 
Gage, who subsequently obtained the manor by purchase. 
So much for indirect evidence of the descent of the 
manor. 

In ®^1581 there is a record of the grant of several 
manors, including that of Hailesham, to Gregory Lord 
Dacre of Herstmonceux ; and in the following year the 
"^ reversion of these same manors is given to William 
Lord Burghley and Robert Earl of Leicester. At his 
death in 1594 ^Lord Dacre was found seised of the 
manor, but at the end of the survey of the manor of 
Hailsham, in Lord Gage's manor book of 1625, is an 
entry to the efiect that: ^^This manor by Indenture of 
Bargain and Sale dated 28'** Oct. 25'*" Elizabeth was sold 
by John Rootes esq. to John Gage esq., and the lands 
particularly mentioned;" also, '^ A Fine levied thereupon 
Michaelmas 25"" Elizabeth between John Gage esq. 
plaintiff and John Roots and Alice his wife deforciants 
of the manor, &c., 100 acres of land 40 acres of meadow 
and 140 acres of pasture and 60 acres of Freshmarsh in 

» Inq. p.m. 16 Edward H., 40. «» Pat., 24 Eliz., p. 13 [Col,'}. 

»i Pat., 23 Eliz., p. 7 ICaL^l, «» Add. MSS., 5,681. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 27 

Hailsham." Apparently, therefore, Rootes and Grage 
held the manor of Lord Dacre as tenant-in-chief. It 
continued in the hands of the Gages till 1640, but is 
stated by Burrell to have been ^^held of the manor of 
Jevington in socage by fealty"^ in 1634, being valued 
at that time at £11 ; the manor of Jevington was then 
in the hands of the Parkers, of Ratton. In 1625 surveys 
were made of all Sir John Gage's manors, including that 
of Hailsham, of whicli I give a transcript. The names 
in brackets are those of later tenants inserted after the 
survey was drawn up. At the end are the two entries 
referred to above and a third to the effect that, by an 
Indenture of 5th May, 17th Jas. I., Elias Swayne granted 
to Sir John Gage, Bart, (then esquire), a little close some 
time Edward Twitts, containing 1^ acres, in Hailsham, 
within a close of Sir John Gage's, called CoUards. 

EE8HAMS ALIAS HAILSHAM 
Lands holden of divers Lords which pay heriot and rent 

Joyes house and one crofte holden of the manor of Wil- 

lington and payeth yearly rent 6** 

Saltmarsh holdeth of the same manner and paieth yearely 6* 4*^ 

Averies holdeth of the same manor and paieth yearely 5* 

Crowchers holdeth of the mannor of Sharnefold and paieth 

yearely 5* 

Joyes Marsh is holden of the manor of Lewens and paieth 

yearely 4** 

Fackham Marsh, 34 acres, holdeth of the mannor of 

Downeash and paieth yearely 6' 2* 

Perry Crofts, 2 acres, holdeth of the same manor and paieth 

yearely 6^ 

Jurdens are holden of Sir Tho' Pelham as of his mannor of 

" and paieth yearely 13* 

Woovers holdeth of the same mannor and paieth yearly . . 6** 

These parcells following are holden of the manor of Berwick 
and paie noe herietts 

Longe Ershams paieth yearely to Berwick 6** 

The Hale and Mildowne paieth to the same yearely 16** 

Hastingland paieth to the same yearely 5J* 

Fackham land and the Stocks paie to the same yearely. ... 5' 6* 

^ The name of the mauor is left blank iu the origiual. 



28 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



20" 



Ebshame alias Hailsham 

John Greene [by Indent. 20 Mar. 17® Jas for 21 years from 

Michmas. x)ast1 for Joyes Howse bame stable close 

adjoyning cont 2J acres and for a close called Groveland 

and an acre and a rood late Edward Twitts purcbased of 

EliasSwane the whole close contaynins^ 4 acres 4 roods. . 

for a Close called CoUards adjoyning to Mr. 

Hudsons Orchard cont' 3 acres 1 rood . . 

for 4 closes part of Jurdens cont' 14 acres. . 

(William Royden) for a little close called Cotton Rowe con- 

tayning 3 acres 

for 2 closes called Penycrofts and Maunders 

3 acres 

for Averies 8 acres 

William (Thomas) Bodle for Crowchers cont' 24 acres by Ind' 

16 March 17 Jas for 21 years from Mich. past, per ann.. . le'' 13" 4' 

Nicholas Bodle for pte of Ershams 

for Cockshottes closes 

for pte of Ershams 

for Mildowne 2 closes by estim' 6 acres 

for a cottage and garden adjoyning to Mildowne 

for acres of Ershams viz. Long Ershams 

John Bodle [per indent' 20 Sept. 17*» Ja' for 21 years] for ^ 

one close of Jurdens cont' 9 acres 

for 3 closes called Woovers cont' by estimacon 

7 acres . 

for 8 acres of mersh called Saltmersh . . . . / 
for certain closes called Fackham land 23 



26" 



acres 

for a close called the Stockes 7 acres. 



Elias Swane for the Cowbrooks cont' 10 acres 

for the Hemp plott 1 2 acres 

for the Hooks at the gate 6 acres 

for the Chawland 7 acres 

for the next peece to that 8 acres 

for the Hogbrookes 6 acres 

for a little peece there 3 acres 

for Hastingland 6 acres 

for a peece of Upland called the Hale 6 
acres ^ 

Ershams Fbreholders 

Eichard Kenchley for certaine land called Trendle Grove 
[besides certain services 1 herr' and Relief e] yearely rent.. 

For certain lands called Dedlands sometime Lewens and 
after Woodgates and after Abraham Edwards beside 
certain services and one herr' 

For lands called Upton Bams late Thomas Snowes 



V 35" 15« 



12* 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 29 

John Bodle son of Nicholas Bodle for a messuage in 
Hajlesham late Gnnns and sometime WiUards besides 
certain services and one herr' 6"* 

Bodle for 2 crofts lying by the heathe neere Ershams besides 
certain services and 1 herr' 6* 

For lands late John Brookes and before Simon Affenell 

besides certain services and 1 herr' 7^' 

Eiias Onstie for certain lands called Ershams lying next to 
the Lords lands of that name besides certain services and 
1 herr' 4'* 

Colbome son of Colbome for lands at the greene at 
Hanckham Ash besides certain services and 1 herr' 6** 

Sara Bodle widdowe of Thomas Bodle the vounger for a 
tenemt. and crofte at the Comon of Halsham besides 
certain services and 1 herr' 8^^ 

Nathaniell MiUes for 16 acres of land at White Dike late 
Bobert Akers and sometime Frofiitts besides certain 
services and 1 herr' 12* 

Sichard Baker in the right of his wife late wife of Arnold 
Harborrowe for Harbaken land besides certain services 
and 1 herr' 12* 

For oldhowse land neere Meghams besides certain services 
and 1 herr' 6* 

In the Royalist Composition Papers, that is to say the 
collection of documents in connection with the estates 
of the Royalists forfeited to the Commonwealth, pre- 
served in the Record Office is a paper: *^ Concerning the 
petition of John Gage, an infant under 14 years, by 
his guardian, Walter Ewrenden, gent., re certain lands 
settled on him by Sir Thomas Gage, his late father, and 
now sequestrated for the recusancy of the said Sir 
Thomas, Amongst a quantity of matter not bearing on 
our subject are two references that concern the manor. 
Of these the first is: An Indenture of March, 1640, by 
which Sir Thomas Gage, of Firle, Edward Guldeford, 
Esq., John Carrill, Esq., John Thetcher, Esq., and 
Thomas Roper, Esq., sold to Thomas Lethbridg and 
Richard Ly-son all that the manor of Earsham, alias 
Hailsham, and the messuage tenements, &c., called Joice 
House, Fockham Marsh, Hoggbrook, Earshams, Croches, 
Croker Row, Jordens, Joieslands, Grovelands, Collards, 

•• Royalist Compoedtion Papers. Series I., Vol. 27. 



30 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Henhards, Milldown, Maunders Croft, the Haile and 
Hastings lands in Hailsham, then in the possession of 
Nicholas Bodle, Edward Bodle, Richard Kensley and 
Edward Cowsley, and a little close some time Edward 
Levit's, containing an acre and a half, within a close of 
Sir T. Gage, called CoUards ; to tlie intent that a good 
Recovery might be suffered. The second indenture is 
of the same date and is practically part of the same 
deed: Whereas Sir John (sic) Gage, deceased, had 
intended to sell the said premises to pay his debts — of 
which £2,200 are yet unpaid — and to portion his children 
and Sir Thomas hath issue Frances, daughter of Dame 
Mary Gage, who is wholly unprovided for, and he 
intended that the manor of Earsham, alias Hailsham, 
should be sold for pajinent of the said debts and portions, 
the residue to be disposed of for raising £2,000 for the 
said Frances Gage. It was agreed that before the end 
of Michaelmas term next a Recovery of the premises 
should be suffered and Earsham to be sold. Accordingly 
in the Easter term 1641 Recoveries were made; and 
the manor was sold, presumably to Sir Thomas Dyke, of 
Horeham, as Burrell** states tliat he ^^ sold the manor to 
— Sawbridge Esq. who sold it to Garland Esq. who 
alienated it to — Medley, Esq." Unfortunately no dates 
or authorities are given for these details, nor for his 
further statements that '^ in 1763 and 1788 Geo. Medley 
Esq. was proprietor" and that in 1788 ^^Launcelot 
Harrison Esq. gives a deputation for the manor of Hail- 
sham." G. Medley may have owned the estate, but from 
deeds at present in the hands of Messrs. Hunt, Currey 
and Nicholson, of Lewes, it appears that the manor of 
Ersham belonged in 1735 to Thomas Willard, who left 
it in 1750 to his nephew Nicholas, and that it remained 
in the Willard family till 1810, when it was alienated to 
Jacob Wood and Robert Robins, who in the same year 
sold it to James, father of the late James Ingram. 

This scanty and imperfect record is all that I have 
found about the manor ; whether that is my fault or my 

» Add. MSS., 5,681. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 31 

misfortune I leave to others to decide, and turn to the 
history of the market, as being connected with the manor 
at least at the start. In 1252 Henry III. gave the 
following *" charter : *^ We have granted and by this our 
charter have confirmed to our dear and faithful Peter of 
Savoy that he and his heirs in perpetuity may have a 
market in his manor of Heylesham every week on 
Wednesday with all liberties and customs pertaining to 
such a market, so it be not to the detriment of neigh- 
bouring markets ; witnessed by Galfrid de Lezignan our 
brother, and others; given by our hand at Merleberge 
22'' July." When the long reign of Henry III. came to 
an end in 1272 the country was in a disgraceful state of 
confusion and lawlessness, miglit was the only right and 
an official position was merely an opportunity for oppres- 
sion and plunder, — some instances will be given later in 
the general history of the parish — so that one of the first 
acts of Edward I. on his accession was to send out 
commissioners throughout the country to enquire into 
infringements of the King's prerogatives, abuse of power 
and corrupt and illegal acts of the nobles and officials. 
These enquiries were held in every Hundred and the 
returns enrolled in 1274 on the "Hundred Rolls," and 
amongst them the return for the Hundred of Thille, in 
which '^ the jurors state : "That Peter of Savoy 15 years 
ago founded a market in the town of Heylham in the 
Ilape of Pevenes on Wednesdays and caused toll to be 
taken on the same market day ; now the Queen's stewards 
[the hundred of Dill was at this time in the Queen's 
hands as part of the Honor of Aquila] unlawfully take 
toll there on every day of the week to the great oppression 
of the country ; they do not know by what authority 
this is done.' A sunilar complaint is made in 1278 
before the Justices in Eyre,"® that Walter de Endelene- 
wick, Bailiff of the Queen, has levied stallage in the 
market of Haylesham from diverse men who should not 
pay any custom, for which he is fined. 

w Chart., 36 Henry HI., m. 7. 
» ** Rotuli Htmdredorum." 
^ Assize Roll, 921. 



32 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Having seen these two examples of illegal exactions 
in connection with the market, it will be as well to 
examine the customs and payments that were really due. 
These were payable towards the ^^ Castle Ward Rents of 
the bailiwic of Endlenwyke," which were sums devoted 
to the garrison expenses of Pevensey Castle and collected 
from an extensive district in the Honor of Aquila that 
took its name from the manor of Endlenwyke, near Ripe. 
It is probable that originally the bailiff attended at each 
market and collected tolls and certain sums for stallage 
from all who were not exempt. The entry on the Assize 
Roll given above points to this custom ; but after a while 
a fixed payment or composition was settled, though the 
amount varied at different periods. In the *^ account of 
Will Lewyne, bailiff of the Honor of Aquila, for 4th 
and 5th Ric. II., is entered : ISs. 3d. received for 
stallage of the merchants of Haylesham and for the small 
tolls of the bailiwic; for the Portmoot of Haylesham 
nothing this year, for weighing of bread nothmg and 
for heriots nothing. This payment for stallage remains 
the same till the 15th Ric. II., but in "6th Edw. IV. 
it is only 17s. 8d. and *^1510 is 16s. 8d. No pay- 
ments are recorded for either heriots or portmoot ; this 
latter is lucidly defined by Martin as ^^ a court which 
is held in towns," while according to Ducange it is a 
court in connection with a port, and probably in this 
case only affected the part of Hailsham within the 
Liberty of the port of Pevenseye. There are several 
entries with regard to the '^weighing of bread," the 
bailiff having in his charge the standard weights; *®in 
9th and 1 0th Ric. II. — ^for weighing of bread nothing 
owing to loss of the measures — after which is a note, 
^Hhis must be discussed with the Council." But the 
discussion does not seem to have had any immediate 
efi^ect, as the same entry occurs three years later, followed 
by the statement that in the following year a new set of 
measures and weights were bought, as appears by the 

*^ Original Ministers* Accounts, Bundle 441. 

*i Original Ministers' Accounts, Bundle, 1,028, No. 6. 

« Add.MSS., 6,351. Copyof Book of Tenures of Manor of Enlewyks, 2 Hy. VIII. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 33 

Receiver's account, and the measures were handed over 
to the bailiff with an inventory of them (?) \_parcellate per 
indentur'"]. At this time, from 8th to 14th Richard II., 
Margaret Lewyn, relict of William, was bailiff, her 
deputies being first John her son, and then Thomas 
Endelewyk, who succeeds her as bailiff in the 15th 
Ric. II. So with a new bailiff and a new set of weights 
we expect to find a change, but: For weighing and 
measuring of bread made with the set of weights newly 
bought, as given in the Receiver's account, nothing, 
because, as is stated, the said weights are still in the 
hands of the bailiff of the Liberty. Which means, I 
suppose, that the head bailiff has not given them to the 
bailiff of Endlenwyk, whose duty it was to use them. 
And here our accounts for Richard II.'s reign come to 
an end. There is, however, an account for " 6th Edward 
IV., and here we find that those weights are still Roing 
wrong, although another new set have been bought in 
the interval : For weighing and measure of bread by the 
new *^Troy weights bought 4th Henry IV., nothing, 
because those weights were taken away by the Kin^s 
minister in the time of Sir John Pecham; so let them 
be demanded of the executors of the said John Pecham. 
Whether the weights were recovered and made use of, 
or whether the bread remained unweighed does not 
appear. There is one other entry in these accounts 
which may be given here, though not actually connected 
with the market, it occurs for the first time in the 6th 
and 6th Ric. II., the accounts for the previous year 
being missing: 6d. for new rent of John Jamette (or 
Jenette) for a place to build a shop in the market place 
of Haylesham, this being the second year (of payment). 
This payment continues yearly and occurs in 1610: 
John Janett, for a plot oi ground and a shop in the 
market place of Haylesham, 6d. As this covers a period 
of 130 years, it is evident that the various holders of the 
shop paid in the name of the original builder. 

^ Troy weight is usually held to take its name from Troj-Novant, the Monkish 
name of London. Other derivations are : From Troia^ the weights being multiples 
of three ; de Boy=TojBl weight ; and Troyes, a town in France. 



34 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

The market appears to have died out some time in the 
seventeenth or eighteenth century, the latest notice of it 
being in Norden's map, 1639, where Hailsham is marked 
as a market town. It was revived on December 15th, 
1786, and by the middle of the nineteenth century had 
become the largest cattle market in the county, to which 
drovers came from all parts of England and even Wales, 
but, though it is still of importance, times have altered 
and the Welsh tongue is no longer commonly heard here. 
In those days the market was held in the streets, the 
Square and the High Street being packed with cattle, 
making the footpath anything but a pleasant promenade 
for the nervous. Now the market is held on alternate 
Wednesdays in a large enclosure below the Post Office, 
under the management of a company formed in 1871 
under an "Act for dissolving tne Hailsham Market 
Company, Limited, and re-incorporating the proprietors 
therein for continuing and holcUng a Cattle Market at 
Hailsham." 



CHAPTER IV. 

Returning to the general history of the parish we find 
that, as in the case of the manor, from the Domesday- 
survey to the end of Henry III.'s reign is a blank, the 
only references being grants of land in Hailsham to 
various religious communities, which will be dealt with 
later. An entry on the** Close Roll for 1215 of a man- 
date to the Sheriff of Sussex to give to Osbert GifEard 
the land that belonged to Thomas de Arden' in Hilesham 
and Preston, gives the names of two early landowners ; 
that of GifEard is found in the neighbourhood at a later 
date, another Osbert being one of the jurors on the 
inquisition held at Berwick after the death of John 
Marmion in 1292. 

The troublous times of John and the early part of 
Henry's reign passed without leaving any traces behind 
them, though from the proximity of the great Castle of 
Pevensey the parish can hardly have rested unmoved at 
the time. The *^roll of the Sussex Assize held in 1263 
is the first document to give us an insight into the Hfe 
of the inhabitants of Hausham, necessarily an unfavour- 
able view, being concerned only with their crimes. The 
jurors of the Hundred of Thille, by the mouth of Gerard 
de Hamden their foreman, present that: "Benedict the 
Jew dwelling at Heylesham is a clipper of coin ; and 
Capmus and Simon, Jews, who are clippers of coin and 
receivers of stolen property, have gone away under 
suspicion ; so let them be outlawed ; their property is 
unknown as they are travellers." The distinction 
between residents and travellers was an important one, 
the Hundred being responsible, and therefore amerceable, 
for the misdeeds of the former. The offence of clipping 
coin was one of the commonest charges against the Jews; 
Speed, writing of Henry HI., says: "he wisely wound 
himselfe out of many a Merchants debt, whereto he 
wrung great helpes from the Jewes (as the ordinary 

** Bot. ClauB., 17« John, m. 11 [Cal.;\. « Assize RoU, 912. 

D 2 



36 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

clippers and defacers of his Coyne)." And Fabyan, in 
his Chronicle, says: ^^In this vii. yere [of Edward I.] 
the Kyng held his Parlyament at London, whiche was 
chiefly sette for the reformacon of the Kvnges coygne 
which was clypped in suche wyse that it was therby 
wondei-fully mynysshed and enpayred. In the season of 
this parlyament many of the Jewes of London and of other 
places were taken and put in holde for money clyppynge." 
Matthew of Westminster *®say8 that in November, 1278, 
^^all the Jews in England were seized on one day and 
imprisoned in London for clipping the King's coin, and 
many Christians were accused by the Jews as accom- 

flices. . . . And of Jews of both sexes were hung at 
iOndon 280, and in other towns a great number. And 
the King obtained an enormous sum for the ransom- 
ing of Christians. Some however of the Christians 
also were hung." The actual proportion of Christians 
to Jews is given by Fabyan ^^ cclxxx and xvii persones, 
of the whiche was but iii Englysshemen, ana all the 
other were Jewes and Jewes borne, albeit that many 
of theym were borne in Englande, and therfore of 
some wryters they be named Englysshe Jewes, .... 
were put in execucion." Read in connection with the 
above, the following entry on the ^''Assize Roll for 7th 
Edward I. reads significantly : ^'The sherifi* accounts for 
24" from the goods of Vinys the Jew of Haylesham, and 
12" from the goods of a certain Jew." Twelve years 
later the Commons granted King Edward a subsidy of a 
fifteenth that the Jews might be banished from England; 
as he was thus parting with what had always been a 
valuable source of income in the past the King took the 
precaution of confiscating all their property, leaving them 
only sufficient to pay their way out of the country. 

To return to our roll of 1263 : "Gilbert son of Gilbert 
Godseb while bathing in the pond of Haylesham was 
drowned; and Salomon son of John Russel who first 
found him is not suspected, but did not come to the 
inquest, so is in mercy." Godseb was doubtless a nick- 

« Hores Histoiiarum. » Assize RoU, 921. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM, 37 

name, being our word ^* gossip" used in the sense of a 
boon companionr, and the pond was the Common Pond. 
Salomon was no doubt the son of ^^ Alice late the wife of 
John Russel who impleaded Robert le Mous that he with 
John Rannet and Alured de Thille, in the 43"^ year of 
the King's reign, seized her property to the value of 30" 
and imprisoned her in Pevensey Castle for a month to 
her detriment of 100". And Robert says that a certain 
Cristiana de Ivehurst lodged in the house of the said 
Alice at Haylesham, and on the next day when she wished 
to leave demanded of her a certain bundle in which were 
cloths and other things, and Alice refused to give it up. 
Afterwards Cristiana came to Robert Mus and Alured de 
Thille and they went to the house and foimd Alice in 
possession of the bundle, and arrested her and took her 
to Pevensey. And the jurors of the hundreds of Shepe- 
lake Welendon and Bum say that this is so : therefore 
she is committed to gaol for false accusation." This 
Robert '^ the mouse," apparently one of the constables 
of the hundred, was also juror at this assize ; we have 
already had his name in William Marmion's charter, and 
another Robert le Mous appears as juror in the Nonae 
survey 1341, and William le Mus was juror for Thy lie 
in 1278. 

Ten years pass ; momentous years in the nation's 
history. In 1264 was the Battle of Lewes, and the 
villagers of Hailsham must have looked on King Henry's 
army marching riotously from Battle Abbey, whose 
hospitality they had repaid with pillage, to Lewes, and 
three days later on the Earl Warenne, William de 
Valence, Guy de Lusignan, Hugh le Bigot and other 
royalist leaders flying in rout to Pevensey Castle, to take 
ship there for France. And next year saw the long and 
imsuccessful siege of Pevensey, which was only raised 
by Simon de Montfort, the younger, when summoned 
to his father's aid and, as events proved, to defeat at 
Kenilworth. Then a few more years and the sceptre 
passes from the hands of the weak incapable Henry to 
his knightly son. As we have already seen when follow- 
ing the history of the market, one of the first acts of 



38 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

Edward on his accession to the throne was to institute 
the enquiry the results of which was* entered on the 
Hundred Kolls, forming a mass of evidence of the 
enormous extent of official corruption that then existed ; 
hardly a hundred but had wrongs to complain of, 
arbitrary acts of oppression, or at least some miscarriage 
of justice. The Hundred of Thille make several pre- 
sentments, chiefly against Richard de Pevenes, steward 
of the Honor of Aquila, against whom complaints are 
made by many other hundreds. 

*®" They say that this hundred was wont to give l(f 
yearly to the end that no man should be hindered [in 

S leading] nor put in default [for absence]. Now Richard 
e Pevensey, steward of the Queen, takes 60" and not- 
withstanding amerces it by means of needy men and 
mendicants who are not of the neighbourhood, on a 
summons for default, although they are faithful lieges 
[i.e., he charges their absence as a default although they 
have fulfilled their obligation by being enrolled in the 
tithing which has already compounded for their attend- 
ance] and the tithing is amerced because it has not 
such persons at the view, and the amercement is taxed 
according to his will by making fine and paying an 
award " [i.e., besides illegally putting them in mercy 
he does not leave the assessment, as he ought, to the 
affeerors appointed by the jurors, but compels them to 
come to terms with himself and pay his award]. Also 
they state that " in the first year of King Edward, 
Matthew de Hastings being then sheriff, Nicholas de 
Altihome [?an ancestor of the Alchome family] was 
indicted in the sheriff's court on a charge of stealing 
pack-horses and other animals. The same Nicholas made 
an arrangement with Matthew de Hastings for a certain 
sum that he should not be arrested, and he is still in the 
neighbourhood under suspicion but not attached." 

There are also several complaints against Richard de 
Pevensey for false imprisonment. '^ Robert Tedbrith 

*8 ** Eotuli Hundredonim." I am indebted to the Rev. W. Hudson for the 
translation and explanation of the first portion of this paragraph, which is rather 
puzzling. 



HISTOBY OF HAILSHAM. 39 

was imprisoned in the Castle of Pevensey for no crime, 
and Richard the Queen's steward took from him 2 marcs 
that he should admit him to bail till the coming of the 
Justices. The same Richard imprisoned Robert de 
Graya for no crime and without accusation and took from 
him 5' and let him go ; and in the same way he took one 
marc from Roger FuUere. The same Richard imprisoned 
in the said Castle Simon the merchant and took from him 
a cask of wine worth 40" and let him go." This last 
victim appears as juror in 1287, and in 1278 "Simon 
the merchant of Haylesham is fined for selling cloths of 
false measure, and also 12 casks of wine. 

Amongst the presentments for the Hundred of Dill in 
1278 is one to the effect that Hawys le Souter (=the 
cobbler) having been convicted of her husband's murder 
had been burnt, that being the terrible punishment then 
inflicted for that crime. 

A case of some interest is given in the Assize Roll for 
1306: 

"William de Norberton complains against Thomas de Sprenham 
and Philip le Soutere of Eylesham that they with Eichaxd Crill 
chaplain of Littlington and Thomas le Somenour of Wyngeton, in the 
32'^'^ year of the king's reign, at Helesham seized and detained the said 
William, then bedell of the king, coming to the said town in discharge 
of his duty, and took from him by compulsion sixpence and assaulted 
him. And the Jury state that, when William who was then deputy 
of the king's bailiff came to Heylesham to obtain the king's money 
the said Thomas, Philip, and Bichard Crul and others were sitting in 
a certain tavern of the same town drinking, and seeing the bedell 
coming towards the door of the tavern they asked him to come in, 
which he did ; and William, the bedell, would not drink with them as 
he said that he could not wait there to the delay of the business 
on which he had come ; and it had been arranged amongst them that 
whoever drank least should pay the whole score, and this payment 
they wanted to get from the same William who absolutely refused 
to pay them an3rthing at all; wherefore Thomas and the others by 
force and against the will of the said WiUiam took from his purse 
fivepence, and also beat him : for which the jury award him two marcs 
damages. And as it seemed to the court that considering the enormity 
of the offence the juiy had not awarded the bedell sufficient compensa- 
tion, the Justices at their discretion awarded him one marc additional 
damages. Thomas de Sprenham and Philip le Suter of Aylesham 
each fined 20'. 

*» Assize Koll, 921. «> Assize RoU, 934. 



40 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

One is sometimes apt to think that hard drinking is a 
comparatively modem tendency. This story, however, 
shows it flourishing seven centuries back, and it throws 
an unpleasant light on the clergy of the day that a 
chaplain should be found taking part in a drinking 
match. The gravity of the oflFence which caused the 
judges to award such heavy damages — equivalent to 
about £30 of modem money — ^probably lay in the fact 
that William was the king's representative rather than 
in the actual assault. If the sub-bailiff was occasionally 
unfortunate, his superior officer was certainly no better 
off, and it seems that at times a bailiff's life was decidedly 
" not a happy one." Take for instance the case of Philip 
de Berewyk, who was bailiff of Hailsham in 1352, in 
which year special Assizes were held at Haylesham, East 
Grinstead and Pevensey to try cases connected with the 
Honor of Aquila. 

"" Philip de Berewvk impleads John de Bokholt that 
he came with armed force to Haillesham and demanded 
J marc from him in the name of Philip's sister, when she 
did not owe anything to the said John, and threatened 
him of his life, and for fear of his threats Philip fled and 
for 40 days did not dare to remain in the Hundred, for 
which he claims 13" 4* damages, and obtains: John being 
fined 40*." The sister here referred to is probably Roesia 
de Berewyk, who accuses John de Boknolte of having 
taken her, trampled upon her and maltreated her; he, 
however, is acquitted. Philip also complains that the 
same John ^^ came into his close, killed his dog and 
threatened him of life and limb : so that Philip who was 
bailiff of the town of Ayllesham, elected by the whole 
hundred and by the steward of the Lady Queen in those 
parts, dare not and can not for fear and terror levy the 
rent due to the Lord King from various tenants in the 
said town pertaining to his office, and indeed the rent is 
a whole year in arrear through the unjust action of the 
said John : " damages obtained and John fined 40d. In 
a third accusation, however, that John had stolen 100-lbs. 

" Assize HoU, 941. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 41 

of candles worth 13s., Philip is put in mercy for false 

accusation. Philip also obtains 208. damages against 

Richard le Tanner (or Tavemer), who came into the 

house of Mabel Bokholte in Ayllesham and assaulted 

Philip and beat him; here again we have one of the 

family of Bokholte concerned. An action against William 

de Miggeham, however, for imprisoning him for three 

days in Richard Hm'st's house, fails. Philip and John 

appear again in another case : *' William de Wodesonese 

John Dawe Thomas atte Castall William Crop Philip 

de Berewyk and John de Bekeworth impleaded for 

imprisoning William Pyk at Haylesham : they say that 

W. Wodesonese T. atte Castall P. de Berewyk and 

William Willard had a suit in the Queen's Court of Ryp 

against John de Bokholte, and that Hugh Swan the 

Queen's bailiflF attached 14 beasts of the said John to 

ensure his answering to the suit and impounded them at 

the house of Robert Crop in Haylesham, entrusting them 

to the care of the defendants : and William Pyk came 

by night, broke the pound and removed the beasts; 

wherefore they followed him and took him to the court 

of Ryp and delivered him to the bailiff and as he could 

find no surety imprisoned him : the jury find that they 

acted not from the reasons assigned but from malice.^' 

W. de Wodesonese fined £10, J. de Bekeworth 40d., J. 

Dawe ^ marc, and the others one marc each. 

The reference to W. Willard is probably explained by 

another entiy : '^ John atte Bokholte impounded a horse 

of William Willard of the value of 20" for a trespass 

made into his grass, and when William offered him 

sufiicient payment and amends for the trespass he refused 

it and illegally detained the horse, which died : fined 

40*." There are a number of other cases against this 

turbulent John of Bokholte ranging from theft to murder ; 

no respecter of persons, he gave the poor vicar a very 

unhappy time, a piece of insolence which appears to 

have particularly impressed the populace. Here is an 

account of his doings: 

John de Bokholte came to Haylesham and there overthrew a certain 
tumbrell of the Lady Queen to the damage of the Liberty. The same 



42 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

John, 24® Edw III, came to the house of Tho' atte Castell at Haylesham 
took away 32 gallons of beer of yalue of 4*, and killed two pigs worth 
5*; and is a common malefactor to all iJie Queen's tenants there. 
Same John, 22® Edw III, came to Haylesham and assaulted Simon 
and John Bryd, Queen's tenants, and beat and wounded them, maiming 
Simon, breaking his arms and legs. And the said John killed many 
others on whose death no coroner dared to perform his duties for fear 
of the scdd John. And the said John beat and wounded Simon de 
Berewyk at Haylesham that he died. And the same John came to 
Haylesham and **vi et armis," viz. with a drawn bow pursued Will. 
Dyghere (alias Dyer) late vicar of the church of H. to nis house and 
then from the said house to the church and did not allow him to come 
out thence till he had paid a fine at the will of the same John. And 
on account of his threats and insults to the said vicar the said John 
was called king among the people ; and similarly he beat and wounded 
Andrew a servant of the vicar and other his servants and many 
neighbours so that no one dared to serve the said vicar, and he 
remained in his house alone. And the same John atte Bocholte of 
Haylesham, for five years from the 18® Edw. Ill extorted from W" 
late vicar of H. 20' each year, 100* in all ; and at divers times assaulted 
and threatened the said W™ Dyghere extorting fines from him ; viz. 
from 21® Edw III the said W™ remitted to the said John all the tithes 
of his goods belonging to the said vicar of the value of 4' ; and he 
took many other umcnown fines and extortions from him : And on 22® 
Ed III he threatened the servants and attendants of the said vicar 
from day to day, so that for fear of the said John no one dared to 
continue in the service of the said vicar. And the same John brings 
false accusations against the tenants of the Lady Queen and others 
living in his demesne, and takes from them divers sums of money. 

For the above he receives the king's special pardon. 

Know all men that we Edward &c at the request of our dear Bic. E. 
of Arundel and Qalfrid de Say have pardoned John atte Bokholte of 
Haylesham who is of good report and has borne himself well towards 
us and our people and who by the malicious procurement of certain 
his private enemies is charged with certain felonies, as the said Earl 
and Galfrid have borne witness before our own self, for all the 
homicides &c &c for which he is indicted and also of all outlawries if 
any have been pronounced against him in these cases, and we have 
granted to him our peace therefore, except for the death of John de 
Claud (?) Knight. 

There is something distinctly humorous in the descrip- 
tion of this ruffian as one ^^ who is of good report and 
has borne himself well towards us and our people ;" I 
should like to have had the Rev. William Dyghere's 
opinion on the subject! It is a good example of the 

Sower of influence to excuse crime; if ever a man 
eserved to be hanged John of Buckholt did, but some- 
how he had obtained the favour of these two Sussex 



HISTOBY OF HAIL8HAM. 43 

noblefi; possibly he had served under them as man-at- 
arms, possibly he was of good birth, the fact that he had 
apparently ^led a knight without suffering the con- 
sequences suggests that he may have been of gentle 
blood, though his deeds belied it. 

At the same assize charges of extortion are preferred 
against two clerical officials : Master Robert de W anlyng- 
burg, officer of the Bishop of Chichester, accused of taking 
2s. by extortion from Richard de Myddelton at Hailsham; 
and William de Rughteburgh, Archdeacon of Lewes, 
charged with taking 100s. from Alice atte Gate and 
other tenants of the Queen in Hailsham. In both cases, 
however, they are acquitted. 

Another hundred years passes and we find Hailsham 
involved in Jack Cade's rebellion. The weak King 
Henry VI. had been on the throne for 27 years, during 
which his ministers had oppressed the people at their 
will. The disaffection thus aroused was fomented by 
the Duke of York and those who favoured his claim to 
the crown, and after several small unorganised risings in 
Kent and Surrey, a leader was found in John Cade, 
formerly a servant of Sir Thomas Dacre of Heathfield, 
who, calling himself John Mortimer, gathered together 
a large force in Kent, Sussex and Surrey, and after 
defeating Sir Humphrey Stafford at Sevenoaks, marched 
on London. Here he was received with open arms by 
the citizens, the only royal troops left in the city being 
the garrison of the Tower under Lord Scalys, and they 
appear to have been at least neutral, as they seem to have 
delivered up without much trouble the unpopular High 
Treasurer Lord Saye, brother to Sir Roger Fiennes, who 
built Herstmonceux Castle, and therefore a connection 
by marriage of Sir Thomas Dacre, Cade's former master. 
After the execution of Lord Saye Cade foolishly abandoned 
the good discipline which he had at first enforced, and not 
only permitted but himself took part in the plundering of 
several wealthy merchants. This course roused the fears 
of the richer citizens, so that when the rebels came to 
enter the city they found London Bridge held by a strong 
force, including the troops from the Tower ; a desperate 



44 fllSTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

battle ensued, ending, after much loss on both sides, in 
Cade's defeat. But though defeated he was yet so strong 
that the Chancellor thought it advisable to oflFer him a 
free pardon for himself and his followers. This was 
accepted and the force dispersed; Cade afterwards 
rejected the pardon and tried to renew the insurrection, 
but being deserted by his followers was eventually killed 
by Alexander Iden, Sheriff of Kent, at Heathfield. The 
records of the pardons granted to the rebels give the 
names of a large number of those concerned and show 
that the rising was by no means confined to the lower 
classes, as is sometimes stated to have been the case. In 
Kent one knight, 18 esquires and 74 gentlemen were 
concerned ; in Sussex a considerable number of gentle- 
men, the Abbot of Battle and the Prior of Lewes, the 
Bailiffs of Pevensey and Seaford, the Constables and 
Burgesses of Lewes, and the constables of over twenty 
hundreds with, in many cases, all the men belonging to 
their hundreds, were involved. ^The Hailsham con- 
tingent was as follows: William Hokeby of Aylesham 
and Richard Heggyn worth of Walderne, constables of 
the Hundred of Thille; Thomas Wunnemere, Richard 
Turner, Stephen Maynard and John Sander, of Aylesham; 
Thomas Busty of Haylesham gentilman, John Sherman 
corveser, Robert Bystrete tanner, Thomas Dobbys tailor, 
Michael Haryot corveser, John Knyght laborer, Andrew 
Page yoman, John Grent tanner, Robert Gilderygge 

5 Oman, William Osbem butcher, Walter Osbem yoman, 
ohn Osbem butcher, John Toby tanner, and others of 
Haylesham ; also Thomas Drewe of Otham yoman, and 
Richard Delve of Michelham yoman. 

Thomas Busty, the only one of these of the rank of 
gentleman, is said by M. A. Lower to have been a member 
of an Ardingly family of Birchensty or Birsty ; a Thomas 
Buste yoman was, with Andrew Thaccher, constable of 
the hundred of Ringmer. Gilderygge, Osbem, Dobbys, 
Drewe and Sander are all names which we shall find 
occmTing again. The presence of no less than three 

M '* S.A.C./' Vol. XVm. ; Pat., 28<» Hy. VI., p. 2. 



mSTOBY OP HAILSHAM. 45 

tanners and two corvesers points to a considerable leather 
trade, probably due to the large cattle market, which is 
also evidenced by the two butchers. These trades are 
the more noticeable in that amongst the 400 other Sussex 
names no tanner occurs and only three corvesers, one 
in the adjoining parish of Herstmonceux and two at 
Alfriston, and two butchers. On the other hand, while 
most of the villages are represented largely by husband- 
men and labourers, only one of the latter occurs here. 

The disastrous Wars of the Roses, by which the ranks 
of the ancient nobility were thinned out almost to 
extinction, did not aflFect Sussex, but with the accession 
of Richard III. we again find a suggestion of the constant 
insurrections that troubled England till the days of Henry 
VII., in a ^warrant issued ^^to William Cornewaille and 
Morgan Poyle of Heylesham in Sussex to take 30 of the 
Beests called Noote (r Neets) late belonging to John son 
of Robert Redeness the king's rebel and traitor whom 
they, with some others, had put under sure keeping." 
John Redeness had, no doubt, been involved in the rising 
in Kent under Sir Greorge Brown, Sir Roger Clifford and 
Sir John Gilford, which formed part of the Duke of 
Buckingham's rebellion. *^A William de Cornewaill, 
citizen of London in 1353, bought a messuage, 70 acres 
of land and 9 acres of wood in Michelham from Roesia, 
wife of Richard Daveys, late citizen goldsmith of London ; 
and ^Gruy and Sir John Cornewaill both appear in 1409 
as receiving annuities from the Honor of Aquila, the 
latter sealing his receipt with a lion rampant. The name 
of Powell, to use the ordinary spelling, occura as early 
as 1331 — ^^ William Poul being juror on an inquisition 
held at Haylesham that year. 

The reign of Henry VII. and the earlier years of 
Henry VIII. are again unrecorded, and with the Reforma- 
tion begins a new period ; the Age of the Nobles passes 
away and the Era of the People begins ; the feudal lance 

» Harleian MSS., 433 ; Privy Seals of Ric. III. 
** " Abbreviatio Rotulorum Originalium." 
« Dy. Lane, Misc., Div. xxvi., No. 43. 
« Inq. p.m., 5 Edw. III., p. 2, 136. 



46 HISTOBT OF HAIL8HAM. 

gives place to the pike, the bow to the arquebus, the 
monkish manuscript to the printing press, art to utility ; 
and in all things ^^ the old order changeth yielding place 
to new ; " old abuses are reformed and new abuses form 
themselves. And as the change works on the nation as 
a whole so it may be seen affecting every town and 
village in detail. 



CHAPTER V. 

Though the abolition of monasteries must have made a 

great diflFerence to a county so well supplied with religious 
ouses as Sussex, there is no evidence of any disturbance, 
active opposition or even dissatisfaction thereat. In the 
case of Hailsham, the fall of Michelham priory had been 
prepared for by the dissolution in 1526 of the Abbey of 
Bayham, to which the church and a large portion of the 
parish had belonged. This earlier suppression, coming 
with the force of an innovation, had occasioned riots 
and disorder at Bayham, culminating in an attempt, of 
course unsuccessful, to restore the monks to their abbey ; 
but ten years, during which, thanks to the printing press 
and the facilities for travelling afforded by the peaceful 
state of the land, the ideas of the outside world must 
have penetrated into the country to an extent previously 
unknown, had disturbed the sturdy conservatism of the 
yeomen, and even the destruction of the great and 
powerful Abbey of Battle could not move them to more 
than words, indeed, it may be doubted if any but the 
poorest classes were sorry to see the monasteries go; 
these lost the support the^ had so long and so easily 
obtained from the almonries of neighbouring convents 
and were thus reduced to beg, or even to work ; but the 
middle class, now begyming to attain to power, were on 
the whole pleased ; their religion, it must be remembered, 
was as yet untouched, the service in the churches was 
virtually unchanged, even many images must have 
remained, such at least as were not of marketable value 
from their ornaments of metal or precious stones. And 
it was "good for trade." Travellers who had formerly 
sought the hospitality of the priory would now have to 
come to the villeige hostels; the corn would no longer 
have to be ground at the priory mill ; -the land would 
be more evenly distributed and small estates could be 
picked up for a mere song; and surely with all this 
wealth pouring into the king's treasury taxation would 
be reduced or even abolished. Now, having ejected the 



48 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

monks and turned their glorious churches into quarries 
for building material, the next thing to go is their 
religion. When a man has used the altar stone of his 
professed creed to pave his pigstye the chances are that 
every time he feeds the pigs he will feel more certain of 
the falseness of that creed. So, what with the spread 
of knowledge and the '^ protestations" of Luther and his 
followers, and what with the desire to justify themselves 
for what they must have felt to have been sacrilege in 
the purchase and plunder of the materials consecrated to 
religion, and lands given, as the universal formula runs, 
" to Grod and the monks of the monastery of the Holy 
Trinity at Michelham " — or whatever the monastery may 
be. What with these causes, furthered by the politics 
of King Henry, and other motives, some purer, some 
baser, a strong current set in favour of the Reformed 
Religion, to which additional impetus was afforded by 
the accession of Edward VI. to the throne. And in 
accordance with the known laws of recoil, the effects 
were especially evident in stolid conservative Sussex and 
by no means least in the parish of Hailsham. 

The events of Mary's reign were not of a nature to 
inspire affection for the old religion, and Hailsham was 
in the centre of the persecutions in Sussex ; Lewes, where 
most of the thirty martyrs of this county were burned, 
is only twelve miles distant. Hellingly supplied two 
victims, Eastbourne one, Heathfield two, Mayfield three 
— besides four who were burned in that town; and 
Richard Wodeman, the most famous of them all, came 
from the adjacent pariah of Warbleton and, being one of 
the largest ironmasters in the neighbourhood, he must 
have been well known in this parish. A new vicar had 
been presented to the church of Hailsham in the first 
year of Queen Mary, the patron of the living (Edward 
Grage) being a Roman Catholic, so there can be little 
doubt which party the vicar favoured. Mary died in 
November, 1558, and it is with little surprise that we 
find ^''Strype recording that in the following March '' the 

•7 "Annals of the Reformation ;" and see Ch. VIII. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 49 

parish church of Halylesham in Sussex was spoiled, and 
that by the inhabitants of the said town." As the source 
of Strype's information was a letter issued by the Privy 
Council on the 29th of March, it seems not improbable 
that the spark which caused this outbreak may have 
been the ceremonials of Ladyday, the Feast of the 
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of 
the church of Hailsham. 

The time of Elizabeth was probably the most genuinely 
God-fearing and religious period in our nation's history, 
but it ended in producing the extravagantly sanctimonious 
Puritan. One is apt, I think, to look upon the Puritans 
as a race of men wno sprang up, possibly from dragon's 
teeth sown by Cadmus Cromwell, about 1645, clad in 
long cloak and steeple-crowned hat, with a nasal whine 
and grotesque Christian names. In reality, of course, 
they were a product of evolution and existed at a much 
earlier date ; in fact, the curious baptismal names, so 
characteristic of the men, were mostly given before 1630 
and, unless the name has some occult power over the 
nature, are surely more characteristic of the sponsor than 
of the babe, who doubtless on many occasions remon- 
strated vigorously, but unintelligibly. The Hailsham 
registers are rather rich in Puritan names. Desire Smyth 
was minister here in 1614 and his son, born in 1617, was 
called after him, as was a son of Greorge Stone in 1615. 
The baptisms of 1611 include Muchmarcy, daughter of 
John Grur; a Muchmercy Rowfe is ^mentioned in 1625 
as a previous tenant of land then held by Zealous Stone, 
widow, possibly the mother of Desire Stone. In the same 
year two girls are baptised Rejoyce, while, curiously 
enough, almost the last entry on my list, 30 years later 
— 1641 — records the burial of Lament Coe, widow. 
Amongst the more cheerful names is that of Bethankfull 
Farncom, who married Anne Cade in 1631, and in 1638, 
under the shorter title of Thankfiill Farncombe (his wife 
had died that year), made his will, leaving his children — 
John, Agnes and Elizabeth — to the care of his master, 

^ Lord Gage's Manor Book. 



50 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

John Akehurst of Wilmington, butcher. One advantage 
of these names is that they fit either sex equally weU; 
for instance, in 1615 we have the marriage of Freegift 
Mab with Mary Carek, and in 1629 the baptism of Free- 
gif te, daughter of Robert Hamlen. Fearenot is a curious 
name for a girl, but Humilitie is rather pretty, and 
Faithful!, wife of John Pearce, has a pleasant sound, but 
for sheer ghastly cruelty it would be hard to beat ^^Flee- 

fomicacion basebom daughter of " ^1620); this is 

visiting the sins of the parents upon the cnildren with a 
vengeance ! And the same horrible name is given eight 
years later to the baseborn son of another woman, 
although it had proved inefiective in the first case, for 
in 1624 another baseborn daughter of the same woman 
was baptised Repent. I think, from the evidence of a 
certain will, that the son dropped this Christian^?) name 
and adopted the surname of his father instead. The 
last of these entries is the baptism in 1650 of Mortifie 
Hicks. 

Two of the few detailed entries in the Registers afford 
similar evidence of the Puritan feeling, having evidently 
been inserted as examples of judgments "by the hand 
of God." The first is the burial of "Edwarde Willforde 
who felle downe dead as he was playing a match at foot- 
ball on the sabbath day" in 1625. In connection with 
this it is worth remembering that in 1618 King James 
had ordered a proclamation to be read in all churches 
allowing public sports to be held on Sunday after the 
hour of Divine service ; this edict greatly incensed the 
Puritan party, and no doubt this death of Edward Wilford 
was admired and gloated over and made the text of 
household and pulpit admonition ; what if it were the 
only death of the kind in eight years ? Such a detail is 
of no consequence to the numerous narrow minds who 
regard Providence as a well-meaning but somewhat 
clumsy collaborator in their own schemes, any more than 
the context is of consequence to the constant quoter of 
texts. The second note is less satisfactory as a "judge- 
ment," lacking the Sabbath, and being to a certain extent 
foreseeable, nor altogether undeserved: 1665 "Buried 



HISTORY OP HAIL8HAM. 51 

John Lucas who was smitten with sudden death att the 
alehouse havinge bin longe tiplinge there." 

Though the people were strongly Protestant several of 
the larger landowners were Roman Catholics, notably the 
gentle family of Gage, and in 1626 the property of two 
of these recusants was seized by the Crown and granted 
away; *^*Shemaia Selhershe obtained: "Certain lands 
called Polegate, Pottgate and Pickfurrs and Cowfeilds 
alias East Doddingtons in Haylesham and Poundfeild, 
Cherrie Croft and West Doddingtons in Haylesham and 
Focington, and the Manor of Otham, and other lands 
elsewhere, possessions of James Rootes recusant." And 
^John Wright, gent., was given a lease for 41 years 
of *^two parcels of fresh marsh called Newmarsh in 
Haylesham containing 34 acres, and 32 acres of fresh 
marsh called Homestalls Marsh, and 20 acres of land 
there called le Deanes, possessions of Edward Gage Esq. 
recusant." 

The Civil War did not afEect this part of Sussex ; or 
rather, no actual fighting took place here, for the efiects 
of the defeat of the royalist party were sufficiently 
evident. The old vicar was replaced by one more agree- 
able to those in power, himself to be ejected at the 
Restoration; and commissioners of the Commonwealth 
came to the parish to survey and value the lands there 
which were to be seized by the government or com- 

Eounded for by their owners. For many of the chief 
olders of land had fought on the King's side ; the Earl 
of Dorset, who held the Manor of Michelham Park Grate, 
had been one of the garrison of Oxford; Sir Greorge 
Strode of Squerries in Kent, another prominent cavalier, 
held the manors of Bowley and Downash ; Sir Thomas 
Gage who, as we have seen, was lord of the manor of 
Hailsham, was also involved; and William Grage, Esq., 
of Bentley and his wife Bridgett were Papists, recusants 
and delinquents, so that ^^Rushmersh in Haylesham, 
which Bridgett Grage had leased to John Carryll, of 
Harting, was seized for the Commonwealth in 1653 by 

» Pat., 2 Car. I., p. 1 [Ca«.]. " Pat., 2 Car. I., p. 11 [Cal.]. 

"* Royalist Composition Papers. Series I., 109. 

£ 2 



52 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

George Stonestreet, Henry Stalmon and Stephen Hum- 
frey. And there were others, but the greatest of them 
was the late King Charles himself, who owned, as of the 
Duchy of Lancaster, the row of houses on the east of the 
High Street from the market square to the Vicarage 
field, and also all that portion of Hailsham within the 
manor or Liberty of Pevensey. Of the latter an account 
will be found in the next chapter. The following descrip- 
tion of the tenements in the High Street is compiled from 
three documents : the Parliamentary Survey printed in 
^^S.A.C.," Vol. XXIV., which gives most detaQs of the 
property; a similar survey of 1650 in the ^^Burrell Collec- 
tions, which gives more of the tenures ; and a "Petition 
to the Committee of Parliament for removing obstruc- 
tions, &c.," also in the Burrell MSS., which gives further 
information as to tenure. The two surveys agree fairly 
closely-, but not in all points ; where any items appear 
only m the first they are marked (a.), in the second only 
(b.); while notes from the Petition are given in brackets. 

A Survey of several tenements in the town and parisli of Helsliam, 
being parcel of the Duchy of Lancaster in the County of Sussex, 
and parcel of the possessions of Charles Stuart late King of 
England. 
Messuage and four shops with four other rooms below- 
stairs, and five chambers above, a stable, garden and 
yard; abutting on the Churchyard East, the way 
leading to the Church South, the Highway and 
Market place West, and William Stone's tenement 
North ; now in occupation of John Beattye, who holds 
by lease from Bichard Waterhouse for 21 years at £6 
yearlv ; by what right Waterhouse granted the same 
is unknown 6* 

[John at Mill temp. Bichard III. was seised in 
fee of one messuage m Hailsham and did by Deed 
Poll 24 June S^ Bic. Ill ffrant the same to Bichard 
Mason and his heirs. Thomas Welling was seised 
of the same by Deed Poll 2"* Eliz. and granted it 
to Bichard Wells who, 3'* Eliz, conveyed it to 
William Faimway. Elias Pamway by Deed PoU 
1607 for £180 granted it to Bichard Waterhouse, 
uncle of the petitioner to whom he bequeathed it 
by his will dated 1613; one Bathy now dwells in 
the said house, formerly a mercer's shop] 

« Add. MSS., 5,705. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 53 

(b.) Meesuage &c in Helsliam in the Market place; 
abutting on the Ohiirchyard East, Thomas Falkener's 
tenement South, the highway West, and Hichard 
Mepham's tenement North; now in occupation of 
William Stone who pretends to hold it by demise 
from John French but only produced a Deed Poll of 
20 Oct. 1641 whereby Eichard Hamlin for £16. 15. 
sold to John French a tenement held by him by lease 
of the Earl of Dorset at 3' 4^ for 26 years, dated 

11^ Car 10* 

(P a mistake for £2.) 
[John French has held for 45 years the tenement 
claimed by him, in which two poor people live, put 
in by the parish : he bought it of Kichaxd Hamblin] 

Three shops and two chambers over them : abutting on 
the churchyard East, and the highway West ; now in 
occupation of Thomas Bodle who holds by Deed Poll 
1617 by which Stephen and Susan Hood sold it for 
£81 to John Bodle and heirs 3* 0- 0*" 

(a.) Tenement consisting of one shop, two rooms below- 
stairs, and two chambers; abutting on churchyard 
East, highway West ; now in occupation of WiUiam 
Read 2 6 

(a.) Tenement consisting of three rooms; abutting on 
churchyard East, the tenement of William Head 
South, the highway or marketplace West; now in 
occupation of WiUiam Gowringe 1 10 

(b.) Messuage ; abutting the churchyard East, the high- 
way West ; in occupation of Joan Falkner widow and 
executrix of Thomas Falkner who held by assignment 
of 13* Car. whereby John White for £40 grants to 
Thomas Falkener the premises granted to him by 
Edward Earl of Dorset by indenture of 1 1** Car. for 
26 years at a reserve rent not mentioned, but Falkner 
to pay 4** per annum to Earl of Dorset 2 

Mem. K White's grant be valid 12 years remain 
unexpired 

Tenement and smith's shop with rooms a little chamber 
and a garden abutting on the churchyard East, the 
highway West, and (b ) the house of Nicholas Baker 
North ; in occupation of (a.) John Wood (b.) Alexander 
Edes who holds by Deed Poll by which John White 

sold it to him for £25 2 10 (a.) 

2 (b.) 
[The smith's shop, now in occupation of Wood, 
has been 40 years in possession of John Eades and 
his predecessors, reputed owners.] 



1 





18 13 


4 


18 10 






54 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Tenement consisting of one shop, one low room, and two 
chambers; abutting on the churchyard East, the 
highway West ; now in occupation of Edward Crettall 
who holds by demise from William Earle for 10 years 
at 6* per annum reserved rent to Earl of Dorset from 
whom Cretall affirms that his father had a lease, not 

produced 2 6 (a.) 

2 10 0(B.) 
[Oruttall claims by purchase from Luke Water- 
house and Thomas Bayley, executors of Eichard 
Somner.] 

(a.) a small parcel of waste ground containing three 
perches ; abutting on the churchyard East, the tene- 
ment of Edward Crettall South, the highway West, 
and the tenement of Nicholas Baker North 2* 4* 

Tenement consisting of three rooms belowstairs and 
two above, with a garden ; abutting on the church- 
yard East, the highway South and West and the 
Parsonage field North; in occupation of Nicholas 
Baker who holds by Deed Poll 1637 by which John 
White sold it to him for £16 

±otal ^^^ 

The late King Charles by Letters Patent under the Duchy seal 8*** 
July the 9*** year of his reign granted to Edward Earl of Dorset all 
the above for 31 years, for yearly rent of 26' 8'*, with covenants for 
sufficient and constant repairs at his own cost; (a.) which rent was 
paid till about 1642 as appears by the auditors' certificate, (b.) Now 
forasmuch as some of the said tenements are almost ruined there hath 
been in general breach of covenant, therefore the letters patent are 
void and the whole is in possession — except any of the leases and 
deeds be valid. 

(a.) The premises are the discovery of Capt. Christopher Bodley. 

(b.) These tenements sold to Xpher Bodley gent, of Westminster, 
rated at his desire in fee to Benjamin Okeshott of Chichester. 

[The committee orders the rights of the tenants to be allowed and 
the sum of £5. 10 paid to the Clerk of the Committee to be repaid. 
The contractors for the Sale of Eoyal Lands to allow the said Comet 
Xpher Bodly what he had paid on any other purchase that he might 
make.] 

The Commonwealth lasted but a decade and perished 
with its one supremely great man. When Cromwell's 
iron grasp was loosed it fell to pieces, as all parties 
founded on religious excess must sooner or later fall ; but 
it had done its work. One Cromwell under Henry VIII. 
had played a leading part in the destruction of the foreign 



HISTOKY OF UAILSUAM. 55 

influence of Rome ; he died as a traitor ; his namesake 
and relative shattered the sacred power of the King ; he 
died himself a king, but reigning in terror of his life, 
quartering 'his arms with the arms of England, but 
leaving no successor able to support their honour. Papal 
power and royal prerogative had in their day been of 
service, even of need, to the nation, but that day had 
passed ; one desperate attempt had been made by Mary 
to restore the outworn religion — useless, of course ; 
fortunately for England and himself Charles II. made 
no such effort for the supremacy of the Crown ; his 
successor, striving for both powers, lost all. At the 
Restoration, thanks to the indolent good-humour of King 
Charles — as ready to reward an enemy as to forget a 
Mend — the usual furious retaliation of a victorious exile 
was not enforced ; and with the exception of the childish 
and degrading insults to dead Cromwell's body, almost 
the only penalties fell on the regicides and the clergy ; 
the latter, it is true, were ejected in great numbers, but 
in many cases they had themselves supplanted loyal 
ministers — as for instance here at Hailsham. Altogether, 
the renewal of the monarchy was generally acquiesced 
in and in a surprisingly short time the country had settled 
down peacefully. Whatever may have been the feelings 
of the men at Hailsham they did not allow them to 
interfere with business; accordingly when about 1670 
thirteen post town were *®'^ established for the benefit of 
the people " in Sussex we find that Hailsham was one of 
them. 

Whether the Plague penetrated to this part of the 
country is doubtful, at any rate no deaths therefrom are 
recorded, the only reference to this terrible and most 
historic disease, ranging as it does from the time of 
Samuel to the present day, is at the early date of 1583, 
when Martha Swane is recorded to have died '* of the 
Plage." But a testimony to the healthiness of the town 
is given in 1691 by a note in the church register: 
'' Memorand. that there were but four buried this year 

« Blome'8 *' Britannia." 



56 HISTORY OF HA1L8HAM. 

1691. The like not known in this parish." But, to keep 
the average up, between December 14, 1699, and March 
12th following we find fourteen deaths, ten noted as 
being by small pox and two without affidavits and there- 
fore probably from the same cause, as a foot note says : 
"All those that Dyed of the Smal Poxe had no affidavits 
tho I suppose they were buried in Woollen." This last 
entry has reference to the law passed in 1678, in order to 
encourage the wool trade in England, that all persons 
must be buried in woollen and an affidavit to that eff'ect 
given to the officiating minister ; the latter clause may 
have been an occasional cause of inconvenience, it was 
certainly a great trial to the parish clerk of Hailsham, 
whose vagaries of spelling will be refeiTcd to again; 
here are some of his attempts, taken from the Church- 
wardens' books : 1753, " for laying forth and a thy 
Davey for widow asten 3', for going to hors mounses 
(Herstmonceux !) and money spent to Carry har to Church 
4'." " Widow Smith for laying Kings child forth and 
atthedavi 2'." ^^ Hed's wife for Laying forth of preses 
child and athedavi 2', more for caring the child to Church 
2', more for 3 wicks trubbel and Charg in tho hous that 
theay ware at in the Childs sickness 3*." 

The Churchwardens' books of Hailsham, though not 
veiy remarkable or dissimilar from the accounts of other 
parishes, afford a considerable amount of information 
about the life of the eighteenth century. The series of 
accounts relating to the relief of the poor is complete 
from 1749 and in good condition with the exception of 
the volume containing the first few years, which is very 
rotten and powdery. The great number of inhabitants 
in receipt of relief, many of them members of families 
now in good position, is striking, and also the variety of 
relief required and granted, ranging from leather breeches 
to hog fatting ; some of the applications being for 
complete outfits of clothes, including an extra suit for 
Sundays, which seems rather a luxury to be supplied at 
the ratepayers' expense ; while there are innumerable 
requests for flour, and, of course, money. A good many 
entries naturally bear on sickness, and the terrible scourge 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 57 

of small pox keeps cropping up, with notices of food 
bought for the invalids, as in 1754 : "A pound of Butter 
and Milck for the Small pox 6*, for 2 6* loves for the 
small pox 1", Tea for the small pox people 4"." The 
prices are worth noting, a pound of butter costing less 
than a loaf; the four shulingsworth of tea would probably 
have been a quarter of a pound. There are also pay- 
ments of 2s. for nursing and Is. for waiting upon the 
small pox people, scarcely an extravagant reward. One 
reference to madness occurs in the payment of £5. 8s. 
" on John Woods sen' account going to feedlam," in 1761. 
Lesser illnesses are evidenced by such payments as 8s. 
^^for Hannah Usboumes Boord and 3 Doases of Sats 
(salts)," and " 6d. for fetching a Bottle of Sea water for 
Mary Snatt." This last remedy appears not to have 
been efficacious, as later in the year there is a payment 
of Is. "for a Petition for Mary Snats goeing into the 
Hospital." 

By the end of the century a doctor was employed at a 
regular salary to attend the paupers, and in 1784 was 
paid to " M' Kerby Salvey for Docttering the poore 
£12. 12.," for the half year. And in 1799 an agreement 
is entered into that Mr. William Long shall attend all 
cases except small pox for £25 per annum, which sum 
was increased in 1801 to £40. A chapter of " Our 
Parish" is devoted to Doctor Long, under the title 
" A Character." " William Long died in June, 1833, 
aged sixty-five. He was for many years our leading 
surgeon ; he stood high, had a considerable practice, and 
was popular with all classes. In manners he was a 
gentleman, ease and independence being combined with 
the suavity of a courtier. In social life he was the wit, 
the humourist and the convivialist. ... In person 
he was bulky more than grand and his dress was peculiar, 
and after a fashion of his own — top-boots hanging about 
his legs and ankles in many a wrinkle ; long square- 
tailed coat with outside flapped pockets; long vest, 
covering a capacious paunch; double-frilled shirt, with 
high upstanding collar and white neckerchief, well tied 
up to the chin, topped with a somewhat broad-brimmed 



58 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

hat. The hat and the boats never varied, nor did his 
walking-stick — a heavy bamboo or cane silver-mounted, 
with key-hole shaped for the tassel or ribbon, and iron 
shod. He was the son of a Romney Marsh farmer and 
brought with him a fortune of £7000, but .... in 
economies he had no method ; he could never make the 
two ends of expenditure and income meet. . . . He 
had a great dread of fire and housebreakers, and always 
kept his pistols loaded and sword drawn in his bedroom 
ready for action. . . . His household bill of fare was 
simple and inexpensive, the dinner every day throughout 
the year being beefsteak pudding, and no side dishes or 
extras. I have by me a leaf taken from the butcher's 
ledger of the time, James Kennet. The entries run 
thus : ^ To one pound and a half beef, no bone, 365 days 
in succession ! ^ . . . The doctor retired from active 
service and lived a few years- in the old cottage where 
the curate before him had found a quiet home. Here he 
prepared his last will; his executors found the devisor 
liberal to many of his old friends ; there were numerous 
legacies, but the legatees were never the richer, there 
being no estate to administer." So much for Doctor 
Long! 

But some cases did not require the doctor's aid, only 
a few extra comforts, as for instance, in 1762 the Widow 
Smith is given " a Mogg of Mild Bear to make Cordiall, 
three Shuger Rolls and three Candles." (The *^mild 
bear" suggests the equally mild old joke about brewin'.) 
Nor was beer reserved only for invalids, for in 1749 2s. 
was paid '^ Dame Marshall for the aflSdavit, laying forth, 
and bear at the burial of Ann JeflFry's child.'' The 
frequent entries of ^^ spent on Licker," softened down at 
a later period to '^ spent at Thorp's " (i.e., the '' Crown "), 
make one wonder at the long suffering of the ratepayers 
in calmly accepting the proposition that the church- 
wardens should have drink for themselves and their 
friends at the expense of the parish. 

At the time that the old Workhouse, at the corner of 
the Market Square, was given up in 1854, it was stated 
that the property had been acquired by the parish in 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 59 

1764. I am rather inclined to think, however, that the 
real date of acquisition was 1762, as in the accounts for 
that date are a considerable number of entries of purchases 
for the Workhouse ; as for instance : ^^ Bought of William 
Inskip one Beadsteadle for the Parish. . . . Paid Rich 
for puting a Bead up. . . . Bought for the Workhouse 
12 Trenchers 4 Handledishes 3 Round dishes 5 eared 
dishes, 12 spoons and one Skimmer. . . . Paid Fittness 
for mending the Little Copper in the Workhouse ; " and, 
finally, " Spent on Licker, for bringing Dinnes English 

and moving the in to the Workhouse." The word 

omitted in the last sentence is partly obliterated and 
looks like *' Pork," but is possibly intended for " Porpers," 
or something similar. If I am correct in supposing that 
this is the date of entry into the house that was used till 
1854, there was probably no real Workhouse before this 
time, the poor being lodged, as we have seen in one case 
in the Parliamentary Survey of 1650, in various houses; 
there is an entry in 1605 of the burial of John Gasken 
" out of the Almishouse," but I know of no other reference 
to any alms houses in the parish. An inventory and 
valuation of the Hailsham Poor House was made in 
1788, the total value being £128; a list is given of 
articles missing to the amount of £13 and another list 
of articles ''which appear to have been added by M' 
Saunders" to the value of over £20, including a cider- 
press, a pair of andii'ons, a birdcage, two barrels of 
cheese, a parcel of sea coal, a spinning wheel, four woollen 
wheels and 96 pounds of wool. The wheels may have 
included the '' three spinning wheals" bought from Henry 
Smith in 1783 for £1. 4s. 

One of the principal ways of employing the poor was 
by setting them to spin and there is a constant occurrence 
of such items as ''paid Widow Curll for spinning 9 
pounds of Tow 4" 6*" (this same Dame Curie also received 
6d. for making "one Round ferock for Swain"). Flax 
was largely grown for this purpose, and besides the 
payments to men for "swingeing" and "heckling" flax, 
we find the parish buying land on which to grow it. In 
1803 " M' George Carey agreed to let the parish have 



60 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

two acres of ground for the purpose of sewing flax at a 
rent of £7 per acre, M' King (tne churchwarden) to be 
responsible that it shall not be tithed ; " and in 1808 Mr. 
Bnstow offers to sell an acre of flax to the parish at a 
£ei.ir appraisement. 

At a Vestry held in 1803 it was agreed to have the 
Workhouse properly repaired and to have proper con- 
veniences for the manufactory and to have a well in the 
yard. Besides the Poor House, the parish owned and 
gradually acquired a number of cottages ; in 1808 Samuel 
Lambert s house was bought for £40 for the use of the 
poor, and in 1810 John Wood requested the parish to 
convert his stable, situate on a part of Hailsham Common 
called the Bell Banks, into a cottage, at an estimated 
cost of £12. 158., which they agreed to do, on condition 
that after the death of Wood and his wife the house 
should belong to the parish. 

At the beginning of the nineteenth century the question 
of the relief of the poor had become one of great moment 
and there was a general feeling of discontent amongst 
the poorer classes, culminating in some cases in actual 
violence, in others merely in threats. In 1816 the 
Hailsham Vestry agreed that in consequence of two 
threatening letters addressed to Mr. Sampson, containing 
threats against his life and that of the other parish officer, 
a reward of 30 guineas should be offered by the parish. 
And the next year, in consequence of the faggot rick 
and brick kiln shade belonging to Bartholomew Osbom, 
one of the overseers, being maliciously set on fire, it was 
unanimously resolved that a reward of £100 should be 
offered for information and that 200 handbills should 
be printed and that the same should be cried through 
the parish. No conviction, however, appears to have 
been made. 

In 1837 it was agreed that the mills belonging to the 
parish and now situated at the Central House, Hellingly, 
should be offered to the Board of Guardians at the price 
they were valued at. These, I suppose, were the nand 
com mills stated hj Geering in '' Our Parish" to have 
been the cause of not, in consequence of which their use 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 61 

was abandoned. In 1845 it was resolved to sell the 
following property belonging to the parish : 

1. MoBsuage in HailBham called Bodies Cottage, adjoining the 
Churchyard, late in occupation of Henry Eich. 

2« Portion of the Parish field formerly called (lorman's Wood, in 
HeUingly, containing about 7 acres 3 roods, in occupation of 
Edwin Eickman. 

3. Messuage, &c., part of the House Field, in occupation of Mrs. 

Smith. 

4. Messuage, &c., at South-west corner of Churchyard, in occupation 

of Messrs. Hoad & Burfield, or their under tenants. 

5. A garden and two pieces of land, containing one acre, in occupation 

of Huggett & Adams. 

6. Messuage, &c., on Hailsham Common, in occupation of Harris 

and Adams. 

7. Copyhold cottage, &c., at lower end of the South Common, in 

occupation of George Eich and John Eeynolds. 
S. Copyhold cottage, &c., on the South Common, in occupation of 

Samuel Miller. 
9. Coj^hold cottage and land heretofore part of the Waste called 

Harebeating Green, containing 1-ro. 2-p., in occupation of 

George Longley. 

10. Copyhold piece of land, 30 perches, at South Common, subject 

to right of way from lands called WiUpens, in occupation of 
Samuel Terry. 

11. Copyhold cotta^^e and land at Hailsham Common, in occupation 

of Stephen Lambert. 

12. Copyhold cottage and land formerly waste of the said Manor, 

containing 20 perches, on Harebeating Green, now in occupa- 
tion of John Burton, and other land to the south of it, in 
occupation of James Foster. 

13. Copyhold cottage and land, one rood, in occupation of Joseph 

Goldsmith. 

14. Copyhold cottage and garden at Cacklebury, in occupation of 

Samuel Smith. 

15. Two dwellings and garden near the Garretts Gates, in occupation 

of Nicholas Bignell and Boniface. 

16. Gkkrden ground at Magham Down, on the Turnpike Eoad from 

Gardner Street to Amberstone on the North, in occupation of 
Samuel Honisett. 

17. Copyhold cottage near Polegate, in occupation of Charles Whiting 

and William Simmons. 

The old Workhouse was abandoned in 1854, the parish 
officers having represented to the Board of Guardians 
that the premises could not be conveniently used for the 



62 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

purposes of a Union and that they might be let to the 
advantage of the parish, being estimated at the vajue of 
£500, yielding a yearly rent of £25. The headquarters 
of the Union were therefore moved to the present build- 
ing just outside the parish, in Hellingly. 

Returning to the early accounts, we find that the parish 
bounds were evidently beaten in 1749, as there is a note 
of ^' £2. 13. paid at Joneses the charge of going the 
bounds." Jones may have been the lawyer of that date, 
as in 1757 there is an entry, **Paid at Joneses for sining 
the books, 12"." There are constant payments for the 
signing of the books, as for instance in 1752, ^' Paid for 
the Mittermus and signing the book, 6"." Such outlandish 
words as ^^ affidavit" and '^mittimus" might well trouble 
the unlearned, but it is in the more ordinary English 
words that the most eccentric spelling is to be found, as 
for instance in this document which is pinned on to the 
fly-leaf of the 3rd Register: ^' An asesment Mead one 
the 27 day of march 1710 one the widow Stevens goods 
Item one fether bed and one flock bed one chafe bed 3 
tubs and one Ciller and to bougits and 3 pilers and to 
cheestes and one warming pan and one brass keettel and 
6 putter dishes and to trugs and one lern poridge pot 
and one lern keettel 1 grigiarn and one spitt one pair of 
toungs one Chafing dish to Sakes and one Lether badg 
to bowles and four blankuts and to Cufeluts and one 
Cubard and what is in them and one pair of pothoks." 
Most of the objects are recognisable, though the use of 
the leather badge is not obvious, ''cufelets" is not so 
very far from ^^ coverlets," and though '^grigiarn" looks 
rather mysterious it is a fairly good phonetic rendering 
of '^gridiron." The parish clerk of about 1740 is 
responsible for some curiously spelt entries in the 
registers, as in the baptism of ^* Mary dafter of farding- 
nando by Mary his wife ;" in this case he was so exercised 
as to the spelling of Ferdinando that he quite forgot to 
insert the surname ! But his record is the baptism in 
1740 of '^ Anorgattelon dafter of Gorge Peares by Anne 
his wife." What is this extraordinary name intended 
for ? The only solution that I have been able to think 



HI8T0RT OF HAILSHAM. 63 

of is that when he was going to enter the baptism he 
asked someone what the child had been christened and 
they were uncertain, but said it was '^ Anne or Catherine !" 
Another point in the entries for 1740, which speaks 
badly for the morality of that day, is the large number 
of illegitimate children baptised ; on two pages contain- 
ing 32 entries, ^'beas-bom child" occurs nine times! 
The tendency of the Sussex dialect to broaden one 
syllable into two, as shown in the conversion of '^ base" 
into '^beas," is noticeable in such entries as "Bured 
a parson his neam unknown," which occurs in 1739. 
Otner notices of the burial of unknown persons are to be 
found at various dates, as: 1612 "a Strang mayd," 
1648 '^a child that was left in the church porch at 
Hailsham," 1668 '' a child that came from Battel," 1737 
^* the travelors child." 

The end of the eighteenth century found England 
engaged in the great war with France and was conse- 
quently a period of military activity, more especially 
along the south coast, where an invasion was feared. 
About 1803 barracks were erected on Hailsham Common, 
behind where the ''Grenadier Inn" now stands, and 
remained in use till 1811. This was not quite the first 
time that the Common had come into contact with troops, 
as appears from the following document : 

^A Certificate from the Deputie Lievetenants to the 14 Sept 

Lords concerning the musters &c. 1625 

May it please yo' Lo*'**" according to yo* Letters lately sent unto us, 
we mett this day and have given direction for the calleing of all the 
Captaynes w*** the trayned bands both of horse and foote before us 
w"" the Rapes of Pevensey and Hastings at Hayilesham Common on 
Wendsday the 21*' of September. 

Of the regiments stationed here there is little to say : 
the first mention I have found is that in September, 1804, 
the South Gloucester Militia left Hailsham for Brighton, 
and the 23rd Infantry and Dorset Militia marched into 
the Barracks at Hailsham. At the end of that year the 
8th Regiment of Foot were stationed here, where Major 
Richard Masev Hansard died and was buried. Next 

•* "S.A.O.," Vol. XL. 



64 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

year the 39th Infantry afeo lost an officer here, Lieut. 
Thomas Bonnell Webb — to whose memory there is a 
tablet in the church — while riding for the first time a 
spirited horse given him by his young wife lost control 
of the animal and, colliding with Amberstone turnpike 
gate, was killed.^ In 1806 the 88th were here, and in 
1808 the Berkshire Militia— 17 of whom died here. The 
Sussex Militia next year, then the 32nd Foot, and in 
1811 the 88th Regiment again. One relic of this time 
remains in a small mound at the north-east comer of the 
recreation gi'ound; this spot was at that time a cross- 
ways on the Common and beneath the mound was buried 
a soldier who had committed suicide — and no doubt a 
stake was driven through his body in accordance with 
the custom of those days. Apparently the stake and the 
crossways served their purpose, for there is no record, 
not even a legend, of his having returned as either ghost 
or vampire. The military element is now siroplied by 
No. 5 Garrison Company 2nd Sussex Artillery volunteers. 

About 1846 Hailsham began to feel the penalties of 
greatness and in April that year the following letter was 
sent to Captain Mackay, the head of the Sussex Con- 
stabulary : 

Sir. — At a vestry meeting of the ratepayers and other inhabitants 
of Hailsham held this day it was unanimously considered advisable to 
request you would consider the propriety of removing Mr. Inspector 
Daws from Horsebridge to this place. We beg to represent that 
Hailsham every alternate week holds one of the largest Markets in 
this county, that an extensive manufactory of rope, cordage, &c., is 
carried on in the town giving employment to between 90 and 100 
hands, likewise operative trades of other descriptions creating labour 
for many persons, it being well situated for general business with a 
prospect of increase by the intended Line of Railway about to be 
made to it, and having two Beer Shops just established as well as a 
lodging house for travellers, which cause the congregating of many 
disorderly persons, which is frequently a great annoyance to the 
inhabitants and often requiring the presence of a Police Officer. 
These considerations induce us to make the present application and 
your acceding to our request will greatly oblige. 

Signed on behalf of the meeting : 

J. M. Cunningham, Chairman. 

» ** Our Pariah." 



mSTOBT OF HAILSHAM. 65 

The result of this letter is not stated, but in 1848 it 
was agreed that every facility should be given to Captain 
Mackay^s application for the piece of ground late in 
occupation of the parish at Mangle Hoo£) — presumably 
for the use of the police. The present pokce station, 
however, was not built till 1861. 

In May, 1849, the railway from Polegate to Hailsham 
was opened ; the occasion was unfortunately saddened by 
the death of one John Hield of Bexhill, who was killed 
while standing on the step of a railway carriage by the 
gate at Mulbrook. It was not till 30 years later that 
the line was carried on by Mayfield to Tunbridge Wells. 

In 1855 the Recreation Ground was enclosed ; previous 
to this date cricket and other games had been held on 
the Common. This Common, from Ersham farm on the 
south, round the west of the town to the neighbourhood 
of the barracks, was the scene of all fairs, sports, &c.; 
here in 1805 John Gully, pugilist and afterwards Member 
of Parliament, fought his first prize fight, against Pierce, 
and was defeated. And here, as I have said, the village 
cricket was played; the earliest match I have found 
recorded is in 1788. 

"^On Monday, tHe 25tli of this Instant August, will be played on 
Hailsham Ck>mmon a Match between the Gentlemen of Herstmonceux, 
with Messrs. Henbury of Hoe, and Wood of Hawkhurst, and the 
Gentlemen of Hailsham, with Messrs. Hurrion and Crowhurst of 
Hellingly, for half a Guinea each man. 

Likewise, on Tuesday, the 26th Inst., at the same place, a Match 
between Messrs. Kenyon and Hastings of Hailsham, with Martin of 
Battle, against Messrs. Colbrand of Cowbeach, Henbiiry of Hoe and 
Wood of Hawkhurst, for Five Guineas a side. 

The Wickets to be pitched each day at Ten in the morning, and the 
Game to be played out. 

A Good Dinner will be provided on the Ground. 

Few more dates remain to be mentioned. In 1878 
was built the Board School, and in 1880 the Infants' 
School. Previous to 1827 the vestry of the church had 
been used, but in this year ®''a school was built on the 
Common and apparently in 1846 another was erected, as 

« ** The SusBex Advertiaer." ^ " Our Parish." 

F 



66 HISTORT OF HAIIiSHAM. 

in October of that year •^a grant was made in trust to 
Rev. G. Gayton Harvey and Rev. Gr. Curteis Luxford of 
20 rods of waste of the manor of Otham in Hailsham 
abutting to the turnpike road leading from Hailsham to 
the east on the north, that the same and the building 
intended to be erected thereon may be used as a school 
for the instruction of poor children. 

In 1885 the Waterworks Company was started and 
the town is now supplied with excellent water from 
springs near Magham Down. And, finally, in 1895 the 
first election of the Parish Council was held, and Hailsham 
distinguished itself by returning three clergymen — all 
that were available. Recent elections of this august 
body have passed ofi* quietly, without bloodshed. The 
Parish Council have erected one new gate, two seats, and 
three notice-boards on the Recreation Ground. They 
have also rolled the cricket-pitch. 

» Manor Rolls of Otham. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The manor of Downash lies in the marsh land at the 
south-east of Hailsham, mainly within the Liberty portion, 
extending also into the parishes of Westham and revensey. 
The present form of tne name does not appear till the 
sixteenth century, previous to which date it is called La 
Doune — the name remains in Down Level and Down 
Stream. With the exception of a Richard de la Dune, 
a tenant of Otham manor about 1200, who evidently took 
his name from this place, the first notice thereof is in 
1278, ••when Alice, late the wife of John Russell — we 
have met her before — recovered against John the smith 
(le feverej of Heylesham a third part of a messuage and 
1^ acre of land in la Done and against Gilbert de Bere- 
wicke a third of two acres in the same vill, which she 
claimed to hold as dower. And two years later this land 
is again the cause of dispute and ''^Salomon son of John 
atte Doune arraigns the assize of mort d'ancestor a^inst 
Eleanor the Queen Mother (holder of the Honor of 
Aquila) and Alice, late the wife of John atte Doune, 
touching land in La Doune. This John is obviously the 
same as John Russell, as he is mentioned as father of 
Salomon and husband of Alice, but the name of atte 
Downe became at a later date a real patronymic. 

The two following notes are of interest as showing 
the lawlessness of the country and the extreme slowness 
of the law. In February, 1298, a ''^commission was 
issued to John le Sauvage and Henry Spigumel to 
enquire by jury of the County of Sussex and the Liberty 
of the Cmque Ports touching the persons who lately 
assaulted Roger de Levelande, constable of Pevensey 
Castle, and Richard Coury, sergeant thereof, at La Dune 
by Heylesham and wounded Roger and killed Richard. 
A clear eleven years later, March, 1309, another ''^com- 
mission is issued to William Inge and John de Abemin 
to enquire touching the death of Richard Cory at La 

• Aaaze RoU, 914. n Pat. 26<» Edw. I., m. 28 D. [Cal.^. 

» Pat. 9« Edw. I., m. 18 [Cal.]. » Pat. 2« Edw. II., m. 11 D. [Calj]. 

F 2 



68 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Done in Haylesham, and also what persons prevented 
the coroners from holding an inquest, and by whose 
procurement he was killed. It will, I hope, be remem- 
bered that one of the charges against turbulent John of 
Buckholt was that owing to his threats no coroner dared 
to hold an inquest on his victims ; but the discrepancy in 
the dates, over fifty years, renders it improbable that he 
was concerned in this murder. Judging from the rate at 
which the arm of the law was moving it is not improbable 
that by the time sentence had been given against the 
ofienders the result would have been much the same as 
in the trial of the pig in '^ The Hunting of the Snark," 
when *'the jailer mformed them with tears, That the 
sentence would not have the slightest effect, as the pig 
had been dead for some years ! " 

''^Amongst the deeds of Battle Abbey are two dating 
from la Doune, both of 1324 ; by the first, John son ana 
heir of Simon Litelwaite of Heylesham, enfeoffs James 
de Cralle of Pevensey in all tenements, &c., of la Downe 
which Isabella, wife of Simon, held in right of heritage 
of said John. By the second, James de Cralle enfeoffs 
John, son of Simon Litelwaite and "Juliana my daughter 
his wife," in " all my tenement called la Doune : " Henry 
Paulin, Henry Alard and John de la Forde, clerk, being 
witnesses. ''^ Simon Littlewatte occurs as a baron of 
Pevensey in 1311, John in the Nonae returns for 1341, 
and his son ''''John as resident in Hailsham 1374 and 
1384, though in a ''Meed of 1379, by which he grants 
to Simon Anneys of Westham all the lands in Hausham 
which he had inherited from John his father, he is styled 
'^ of Pevensey." 

When the priory of Michelham was dissolved the 
''^ manor of Downeaysshe was amongst the possessions 
of that house granted to Thomas Cromwell, on whose 
attainder it was ''^leased by the King to Thomas 

^ Thorpe's Catalogue of the Battle Abbey Deedfi. 

w Coram Eege, Hil. 5« Edw. n. 

» Subsidy Rolls, ajji and W- 

w Pat., 29 Henry VHI., p. 1, m. 23 [Cal.^. 

" Pat., 32 Henry Vm., p. 8, m. 47 [Col.]. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM« 69 

Culpeper, gentleman of the Privy Chamber, for 21 years. 
™In 1541 the manor was granted to WUliam Earl of 
Arundel, at a rent of £3. ITs. 6d. in part exchange for 
certain manors given by him to the King. "^^ Henry 
Earl of Arundel exchanged it with other lands to Queen 
Mary in 1557, and next year it was sold to Thomas 
Sackville, Esq., in whose family it remained till the time 
of Charles I., *^the Earl of Dorset dying seised thereof 
in 1 624. ^ On the 28th of September, 1 643, the Common- 
wealth seized the estate of Sir George Strode, of Squerries 
in Kent, which included the manors of Bowley and 
Downash, ®*and in 1649 he petitions the Committee for 
Compounding for allowance of £100 annuity granted in 
1635 to John Nutt and his wife for their lives out of the 
said manors. 

The history of the manor during the next century is 
obscure, but in 1723 the ® Court Rolls commence : Thomas 
Fuller, gentleman, was then lord and so continued till 
about 1745, in which year John Apsley, Esq., held a 
court; his daughter Cordelia married John Dalrymple, 
Esq., who was lord in 1778. In 1792 Cordelia Dalrymple, 
widow, held the manor and was succeeded by her son, 
John Apsley Dalrymple, Esq., in 1804 ; his daughter 
married Morgan Thomas, Esq., who was in possession in 
1843, and changed his name to Treheme about 1856. 
His son, Morgan Dalrymple Treheme, Esq., retired 
Colonel of Militia, succeeded in 1887 and is the present 
lord. 

A considerable number of names of fields within the 
manor and of their occupiers may be obtained from 
the Court Rolls and from the Parliamentary Survey of 
the Liberty of Pevensey in 1650; the latter document 
will be given in the next chapter, under the head of the 
Liberty. The lands in Hailsham are as follows : 1723, 

w Pat., 33 Henry Vin., p. 1 [Cal.^ 

^ Pedes Finium, 2 and 3 Phil, and Mary Mich. ICal.]. 

» Add. MSS., 5,681. 

n "S.A.O.,"Vol. XIX. 

" Boyaliat Compodtion Papers, Series 11., Vol. 39. 

» PeneSf Messrs. Gadsden and Treheme, who kindly gave me access to them. 



70 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Henry Pelham, Esq., held two acres of marsh near the 
Beers, late Jones, formerly Franks, and two acres of 
marsh called Pages Beer and land called Spiggotts Marsh, 
late Nicholas Pelham, Esq., and once Wheatleys; this 
land is still held by the Earl of Chichester and lies 
between Otham and Peel house, Bere bridge being on 
the road to Sareland about half a mile below Moorebrook; 
William Leaves, Esq., held 1 J acre marsh called Bartletts 
place at Beer Gate, late Peter Bodle, previously Devinishes 
and formerly Wades ; John Fuller, Esq., held seven 
acres of marsh called Farthings, which descended to his 
son and grandson. 1 745, Robert Spencer, gent., alienated 
to Samuel Clark of Hailsham, Fackenham marsh and the 
Hooks, late Elizabeth Chantler, widow, and formerly Sir 
John Gage, Bart. ; these are the lands mentioned in 
the survey of Hailsham manor as held of Downash ; the 
Earl of Northampton as heir to the late Earl of Wilmington 
succeeds to 20 acres in Hailsham called Stony Lands, 
18 acres of marsh called Couls (Cool Gate field ^ at White 
Dyke, four acres called Jane at Wish at Collins Gutt, 
five acres of marsh called Ploddys, two acres called 
Goslings, alias Crambrook, alias Somers Leaze, six acres 
called Beeches, alias Beer, at Knapsalls Bridge (this 
bridge is, I think, on ^^Snapson's Drove," near Horseye) 
and six acres called Ews Tongue, alias Ewhurst Tongue 
at Knapsalls Bridge, all of which were late Sir James 
Limileys, Bart., and John Tutts, gent., formerly Thoma- 
sons and before Hodgsons; these lands were enfranchised 
in 1831 by Lord and Lady Cavendish. Other names 
mentioned are : Plattens and Blackwell at White Dyke 
(in 43 Edward III. ®* Robert Crop gave to Nicholas 
Wynam and Joan his wife two acres called Buddislonde 
at la Blakewelle in Haylisham within the Liberty of 
Pevensey) and ^Hunting Wish, alias Runtingdown Wish 

i Richard de Runtinton is juror for Dill in reigns of 
Cdward I. and II. ; there is a farm called Runtington in 
Heathfield). Of the manor lands outside the parish the 

8* Ancient Deeds, C. 1,989. 

w Apparently [" S.A.C," Vol. XL., p. 72] *• Remecinges" of Domesdav was 
at a later date called ** Runechingiie," in which case it is probably identical with 
this place. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 71 

following may be mentioned : at Horseye the Hope, 
Kitchen Lands and Chajmle Lands (the two latter possibly 
once possessions of Michelham Priory); at Chilley, 
Virgins; at Rickney, Little Curry; in Westham, Priest 
Haws, originally a monastic house whose history is 
absolutely unknown, later the seat of the family of 
Thatcher and in 1723 in possession of Thomas Medley, 
Esq., fipom whom it descended to the Earl of Liverpool, 
after whose death it was sold to J. Taylor of Glenleigh ; 
it was enfranchised in 1899 by Lieut. G. J. S. Taylor of 
Allahabad, the lord of the manor, Col. Treheme, being 
then resident in Bohemia. 

Other names mentioned as being ^^in Downash" in 
the Parliamentary Survey are: Dustys, alias Portreeve 
Hall, the Fleyte, the Wiliowes, Beddinghams, Devenish 
Wish, Luggeere and the Lewens. This last-named estate 
formed in itself a small manor, of which Joyesmarsh was 
held according to the survey of Ersham manor in 1625, 
and in ®®1524 Vincent Finche of Sandherst, gentleman, 
in his will desired ^^ that my manor of Lewens in 
Haylsham stand in feoffees hands to the performance of 
my will, that is to say, that if Herbert Finch do inter- 
pose and will not suffer my executors to perform my will, 
then I will that Laurence Lord Abbott of Battle shall 
order that matter after his discretion; and if he find 
defective then I will that my feoffees take the profits of 
those lands by the space of three years, the same to be 
bestowed according to my will and after those three years, 
so that he offend no more, to make a state thereof to the 
said Herbert Finch and his heirs." The only other 
references that I have found are in the time of Elizabeth. 
By an ^inquisition held 28*" Elizabeth it was found that 
Peter Woodgate had died seised of the manor of Lewens 
with its appurtenances and 80 acres of land, meadow, 
pasture, marsh and wood, belonging to the same manor 
m the parish of Haylesham, and that the said manor is 
held of Sir Thomas Sackville, Lord Buckhurst, as of his 
manor of Downeashe in free socage ; Katherine, his wife, 

* Nioolae* ** Tefltamenta Vetusta." ^7 Chancery Inquisitions, Vol. 209. 



7S HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

is his executrix and Edmund Woodgate his son and heir, 
aged 39. *In 1601 John Woodgate, grandson of Peter, 
claims, through John Lunsforde, his near friend, and 
obtains this manor and other lands seized wrongfully into 
the Queen's hands as being held in capite. 

Bowley manor lies on the north-east of the parish and 
extends into Pevensey, Hellingly and Arlington; the 
portion in Hailsham is not of great extent. It is given 
m Domesday amongst the Earl of Mortaine's possessions, 
in the Hundred of Pevensel : ^^ In Bogelie William holds 
half a hide of the Earl. Earl Herald held them. There 
is land for 2 ploughs, and there they are with 2 villeins 
and 1 bordar, and 8 acres of meadow and 4 salterns of 
22 shillings and 4 pence. In the time of King Edward 
it was worth 15 shillings ; now 30 shillings. There 
Ansgot holds of the Earl half a hide, which lay in Burne; 
it is worth 9 shillings." William was doubtless identical 
with the William who held Hamelesham ; there is nothing 
to throw light on the half hide belonging to the manor 
of Eastbourne. In 1085 it was in the hands of Robert 
Pincema, of West Dean, from whom it passed to the 
Sackvilles, in whose family it remained for five centuries 
and a half. In 1643, els we have seen, the manors of 
Bowley and Downash were in the hands of Sir George 
Strode, and they have gone together ever since. The 
Court Rolls are less frequent and less full than those of 
Downash and contain little of interest : in 1722 Thomas 
Clark alienated to Joseph Calverley, gent, (of ^' The 
Broad," Hellingly), 20 acres called the Dirty s, late 
Stonestreets ; 1792, Mary Armitage held a parcel of land 
called Longland by rent of one pound of pepper, formerly 
Virgoes; in 1831 Lord George Cavendish enfranchised 
Bodies marsh, Bushie Lands, Causey Bridge and Perry 
Croft at Horseye, and Sorrell Fields in Hailsham, which 
he had bought in 1818 of the heirs of Harriet, relict of 
Thomas Wiflard. The ®^ Courts about 1850 were held at 
^^ the Amberstone house," a cottage opposite to the farm 
of the same name. 

w FineRoU, 44Eliz.,m. 8. 

* The Courts of Downaeh were held at this time at the " Swan " beershop. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM* 73 

Amberstone itself is a farm close to Magham Down, 
with a well-built house, apparently some 250 years old, 
standing back from the road. The ''stone" lies in the 
hedge of the field opposite where it was apparently- 
deposited as a boundary mark. This place is probably 
the ''Hide of Ambefeld" mentioned in the foundation 
** charter of Otham Abbey [there is an "Amber Field" 
marked on the Tithe Map near "Cop Hall," but I believe 
this owes its name to the circumstance of one Ambrose 
having lived there in the sixteenth century] ; Ambelegh- 
brigge, near Hellingly, is mentioned in a •* rental of 
Battle Abbey, c. 1450. In the •* Tenures of the manor 
of Enlewykes for 1510, under the heading " Details of 
the Fee of Hertfeild," appears " Humphrey Sakevile for 
Ombeford in Haylesham, 6*;" this is evidently meant 
for Amberstone, as *®" Ombef ordstone " occurs in a deed 
of 1470. Then in 1855 John Gage, Esq., "grants to 
John Howell 24 acres of marsh called Ambershall in 
Haylesham; but in the surveys of 1563 and 1579 the 
present form of the name is used. In all these forms 
the syllable " Ambe" is retained and the field in which 
the stone lies is still called Am field : Amb- or Am- is a 
root, meaning "about" or "around," and may possibly 
apply to this estate as being on the rim of a nill at the 
edge of the marshes; unless, after all, the stone was 
really a religious monument of pagan days sufficiently 
important to be regarded as the spot round which the 
neighbouring lands centred. ®* At Amberstone House on 
Sunday, 26th June, 1814, the Emperor of Russia, the 
King of Prussia and their suites halted on their way to 
Dover ; the farm was at that time in the hands of Samuel 
Rickman, whose son, born soon afterwards, was, by 
imperial request, named Alexander. 

Magham Down, the northernmost portion of the parish, 
is a collection of cottages with an iron mission room, 
built in 1890, and an old inn, whose sign, the Red Lion, 
is no doubt derived from the arms of the Fiennes of 

» Dugdale's " Monasticon." » Add. Ch., 8,098. 

» Aug. Off. Misc. Books, 57. " Pat., 1 and 2 Phil, and Mary, p. 7 ICal."]. 

w Add. M8S., 6,351. » *' Our Parish." 



74 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

Herstmonceux. About 1185 Ralpli de Dene granted the 
®® marsh of Megham to Otham Abbey; and in ^1263 
Robert Lyuet claimed against Adam de Wylesham 36 
acres of land in Mekham, which he says Adam holds in 
right of Benedict de Mekham, who held in villenage of 
Robert ; Adam says that the land belonged to Cecilia his 
wife, by whom he begot Alexander, at present a minor, 
in whose right he holds. The family of Lyvet or Levett 
were for some time associated with this neighbourhood, 
as will be seen; Wilesham is an alternative name for 
Magham manor and is regarded by Rev. W. D. Parish 
as being the Wilesham in Baldeslei Hundred, of Domes- 
day, a manor of considerable importance held by King 
Edward and containing a church, but with this identifica- 
tion I do not agree. ®®In 1280 an assize of mort d'ancestor 
was arraigned by Michael de Loxebech against Robert 
Lyuet and others re marsh land in Megham. '^William 
Maufe in 1287 obtained certain privileges for his tenants of 
Megham. *^ Gyles de Badelesmere died in 1330 seised of 
a third of a knight's fee in Megham which John Levett 
held of the manor of West Dene; this third passed to 
Margaret, sister and coheir of Gyles, wife of William de 
Roos of Hamelake; "^the inquisition on the death of 
Henry Duke of Lancaster held in 1362 shows that he 
held the fee of Megham ; and '^in 1370 John de Cokefeld 
obtained a grant of free warren in Megham. 

There are in the British Museum a number of charters 
of some interest relating to Magham Down, of which the 
following are translations : 

^"I John le Fader of Megham have granted to Robert Eussel a 
piece of my land called Fytherycroft lying at Megham between the 
land of Alan de Megham and the land of Kobert Twhyt and heading 
on to my land called Pachepette and to the street which leads to the 
marshy to be held freely of the lord in chief of the fee, saving to 

* Dugdale*B ** Monasticon.*' This entry is given correctly in the first edition ; 
but the editor of a later edition, not having heard of Megham and knowing that 
the abbey was afterwards transplanted to Begham, has ** corrected ** it into ** the 
marsh of Begham." 

w Assize Roll, 912. ^ Add. MSS., 5,681. 

» Pat., 8 Edw. I. ICaL^ ^ Inq. p.m., 36 Edw. III. ICcd.']. 

» Assize Roll, 924. i« Charter, 43 Edw. III. [CaX.']. 

W" Add. Ch., 8,091. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 75 

myself and my heirs a sufficient path through the said land for carts 
and waggons to come and go to my land called Pachepette : he paying 
therefor yearly to the lord in chief one penny on -the Monday called 
^^Hokeday: and for this grant Robert has given me 15" sterling: 
Witness, William Monser, Peter de Wannemere and others. 

"*I John Lyuet have granted to Robert Twyht and Alice his wife 
one rood of land lying at Megham between the land of John Twyht 
on the East and my land on the West, and the land of Robert Twyht on 
the North and the marsh of Francis de Aldeham on the South ; at a 
yearly rent of sixpence : Witness, William Tanner, Robert Russel, 
Alexander de Buggel, Peter Wannemere and others : Given at Haile- 
sham 15« Edw. II. 

^I Richard Lyuet have quitclaimed to Matilda relict of William 
Sandr' of Haylesham all my right in one messuage and a house built 
thereon and a garden and other appurtenances in Haylesham at 
Meaham, namely, adjoining the royal street from Herst to Lewes on 
the North, the land of Margaret Sandr' on the South, the land of 
Richard Twyt on the East and the street from Meghamiscrouch to 
Megham marsh on the West, to be held of me and my heirs by the 
service due therefor and of custom from ancient time rendered: 
Witness, John Lyuet, Thomas Gyldregge, John Wannemere, Robert 
Sandr' and others : Given at Haylesham 3° Henry IV. 

^^'I Thomas Twyt son of Richard Twyt have granted to Thomas 
Onstye a messuage and five pieces of land called Twyttys at Megham 
in the parish of Haylesham which I lately had of the gift of Richard 
Fotur, Walter Fotur and Thomas Dobbes, to be held of the lords in 
chief of those fees by the services therefor formerly due and of custom 
rendered: Witness, John Fakeham, Thomas Wannemer, Michael 
Heryot, John Sandre' and others : Given at Haylesham 28® Henry YI. 

^"This indenture made 9* Edw. lY witnesseth that Richard Birchen, 
Richard Ponte, Richard Tumor and William Hose, feoffees of Richard 
Wanmer, with the assent of the said Richard, have demised to Robert 
Crompe a tenement with a garden and land adjacent at Megham called 
Wanmers containing 12 acres, and two crofts called Marledowne and 
Byrchedowne containing 5 acres, and a parcel of land called Mellonde 
containing 10 acres, and a croft at Ombefordstone containing one acre 
and two crofts of brooky land called le Brokes coi^aining 5 acres, and 
a croft called Fishecrofte containing 1^ acre ; for the term of 8 years 
[Seal in black wax, apparently the Pelham buckle.] 

^"Richard Wanmer quitclaims the above to Richard Ponte in 
perpetuity, 14° Edw IV 

1®* Hock Day is the second Tuesday after Easter, according to Sims. 
"» Add. Ch., 8,092. 
w» Add. Ch., 8,095. 

w Add. Ch., 8,097. Fotur fletc (or stream), Dobbes marsh and Fackham marsh 
all occur in the Liberty portion of the parish. 
i« Add. Ch., 8,098. 
M» Add. Ch., 8,100. 



76 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

"^I John Wanmer of Salehurst, son of Thomas Wanmer of Hayle- 
sham deceased, have granted to Thomas Oxenbregge of Brede John 
Gheyne and John Pope all my lands called litell Tanners containing 
six acres of land and wood in Haylesham adjoining the land called 
Skobbe on the South and the common hill called Megham Downe 
on the North and headinc^ on to the royal way from Monttrigge to 
Megham Downe, to be held of the lords in chief of that fee by the rent 
and services formerly due therefor : Given at Haylesham 5** Heniy VII 

^^^I William Kechynham of Sellescombe have quitclaimed to Thomas 
Gheyne all my right in the lands called Letyll tanners in Haylesham : 
Given at Haylesham 3*^ Henry VIII 

[Seal in black wax, hand between two stars.] 

"*I William Twytte have granted to Sir Thomas Fenys Lord Dacre, 
Goddard Oxenbregge Esq. and Sir Eobert Mott chaplain all those 
lands in Haylesham at Megham I lately held with Thomas Oxenbregge 
of Brede, William Gylderegge, and Eichard Mylys now deceased by 
demise of Thomas Altofte late vicar of Haylesham and of John 
Foteman senior deceased, as appears more fully in a certain charter 
given at Haylesham 15'** Aug. 11® Henry VII.: Given at Haylesham 
U'** Aug. 22® Henry VII. 

""I Sir Thomas Fenys Lord Dacre have granted to Thomas Chaynny 
gentleman, Giles Fenys gentleman, Eog^r Shoyswell, Bichard Stapley 
of Twynham and Eichard Jeffrey all that my tenement with a garden 
and seven crofts at Megham in Haillesham; of which two crofts 
containing 2 acres lie near the tenement and adjoin the land of Lord 
Dacre called Hallond on the East, the land of Thomas Chaynny 
formerly Saunders on the South, the land late of the heirs of Eichard 
Berde now of William Broke called Chylleys gardeyn on the West and 
the royal road from Herstmonceux to Haillesham on the North ; and the 
other 5 crofts, containing 7 acres, lie between the land of Thomas 
Chaynny called Fishcroft on the East and South, the land of Eichard 
Sackville called Mauncers on the West, the marsh called Mesham 
mersh on the South, the garden of Sir Thomas Fenys called the 
Eosegardeyn on the North and the land late of the heirs of William 
Ponte called Pontyslond on the East : Further I have granted to the 
same all the lands &c which I lately held of the gift of William Twytt 
with Goddard Oxenbregge Esq. and Eobert Mott clerk, who have 
quitclaimed to me all their right therein ; to be held by a rent of 4" 
and service at the court called "* Goteham Court and the best beast for 
herriot and 4' for relief: Given at Herstmoncex 23° Henry VII 

"0 Add. Ch., 8,101. 

Ill Add. Ch., 8,108. Kitchiugham is in Ninfield ; a John Kechyngham, junior, 
of Haylesham, husbandman, occurs in the De Banco Roll for Mich., 36° Henry VI. 
Tanners is still the name of a field on the N.£. boundary of the parish. 

iw Add. Ch., 8,105. 

1" Add. Ch., 8,106. 

iw The manor of Gotham only extends a slight way into this jyarish ; it is 
chiefly noticeable as the place from which the " Wise Men " took tiieir name. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM* 77 

"'Same day : CommiBsion of Lord Dacre to John Davy as attorney 
to give seisin of the above 

[Seal in red wax, a scallop shell.] 

"•9<* Henry Till Lord Dacre quitclaims the above premises to the 
aforesaid persons in perpetuity. 

[Signed, " per me Willm Fenys : " sealed apparently with 
the hilt of a dagger.] 

"^I Eobert Twytte of Hoo son of Thomas Twytte late of Haylesham 
have quitclaimed to Thomas Chayne gentleman, Oiles Fenys gentleman, 
Boger Shoeswell, Eichard Staple and Eichard Jeffry aU my right in 
the lands at Megham in Haylesham which came to me by the death of 
my said father : Given W Henry VIII. 

Harebeating at present consists of a few cottages and 
brickfields and a mill ; at the time of Domesday it 
belonged to William de Warrenne: ^^ In Homestreu 
Hundred Godfrey holds Herbertinges of William. Alnod 
held it in the time of King Edward, and could go where 
he pleased. It then vouched for 10 hides and a half. 
Now for 6 hides, but half a hide is in the Earl of Mortain's 
rape. There is land for 4 ploughs. In demesne are 2 
ploughs and 14 villeins, and 6 bordars with 2 ploughs. 
There are 17 acres of meadow and wood for 30 hogs. 
In Lewes 4 haws of 20 pence. In the time of King 
Edward it was worth 40 shillings and afterwards 50 
shillings. Now 60 shillings." The four haws said to be 
" in Lewes" were probably identical with the ^^ 18 acres 
of land and pasturage for 100 sheep in Herbertingis" 
given by William de Warrenne to the Priory of Lewes, 
as recorded in the "^chartulary of that house; and the 
half hide in the Earl of Mortain's rape was no doubt held 
by the manor of Hailsham, One Simon de Herbetinges 
was witness to a charter of Lewes Priory in 1258 and 
his three "® daughters, Idonea, Johanna and Sarra, are 
mentioned in connection with Piddinghoe in 1278, where 
the name also occurs at a later date. 

Polegate, the largest of the sub-divisions of tlie parish, 
is entirely of modern growth and owes its existence to the 

11* Add. Ch., 8,107. >" Add. Ch., 8,110. 

iw Add. Ch., 8,109. i" ** S.A.C.," Vol. XXXV. 

^ Assize BoU, 924. 



78 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

railway junction ; it is a most respectable but uninterest- 
ing village, possessing Board Schools, built in 1893, and 
an Infants' School of earlier date, built in the peculiar 
style reserved, I am glad to say, for that particular class 
of building. The pretty little church of St. John, a 
Chapel-of-Ease to Hailsham, was built in 1876 at a cost 
of £2,700 ; it is of red brick, faced on the exterior with 
grey stone, and is distinctly pleasing in effect. Further 
references to Poolgate or Fowlegate, as it is sometimes 
spelt, will be found in the Chapter on Otham manor. 



CHAPTER VII. 

When and how the Lowey of Pevensey was formed is 
uncertain, but it appears to correspond pretty nearly to 
the Hundred of Pevensel as given in Domesday, and was 
probably connected with the castle from an early date. 
When the famous Cinque Ports were founded, in the 
eleventh century, Hastings was one of them and Pevensey 
soon became one of the members of Hastings, supplying 
one ship to the Cinque Ports navy and enjoying in return 
various privileges, and in these duties and privileges the 
whole Liberty, or Lowey, had part. These privileges 
included immunity from the ordinaiy taxations and to a 
certain extent from the jurisdiction oi the ordinary courts. 
We have seen that in 1263 Nicholas de Horseye claimed 
as a member of the Liberty to be exempt from all juris- 
diction, except the Shipway, though he was unable to 
prove his claim by documentary evidence ; and this right 
of trying cases before their own Court was naturally 
jealously guarded; for instance, in 1278, when ^** Mabel, 
late the wife of Simon le Whyte of Horsye, claims before 
the Justices in Eyre at Chichester certain land in 
Haylsham against William de la Done, the Bailiff of the 
Cinque Ports claims that the land is within his Liberty, 
and she is accordingly ordered to prosecute in the Liberty 
court. 

In the sixteenth century, and probably earlier, the 
Liberty was divided into six " Quarters," viz., Pevensey, 
Westham, Horseye, Manxeye, Otham and Moorbrook; 
the last named appears for tne first time in 1528 and the 
following is the rental for that year for the Quarters of 
Otham and Moorbrook — i.e., the Liberty portion of 
Hailsham parish : 

"^Quarter of Otham =16* 2^'* 
Bichard Eenne for Mylfield 10^ John Bray for land late 

the same for Barnetts 3* Myddylton IJ* 

uo Assize RoU, 918. 

^^ For an opportunity of consulting this book of rentals and the Hundred 
Court Book of revensey I am indebted to the Rev. W. Hudson. 



80 



HISTORY OP HAIMHAM. 



Eelict of Richard Bele . . 6* 

Simon Tutt for Grymes . . 5"* 

Robert Gyles for Hephale 10^ 

Marmaduke Dalton 2^ 

Thomas Kentysley 4* 

John Kentysley 2"* 

Prior of Michelham for 

VeUond — 

Richard Tutt of Wyllyn- 

don 1- If** 

Prior of New Priory for 

7^ 



the same for land in 

Glyndley 4* 

John Wyllard for 24 acres 

of land 6* 

Thomas Colyar 4"* 

William Ambros 4'* 

Abbot of Begham for 

Ottham 4« 0« 

Edmund Kentysley 1" 4* 

John Howell | for ] 

Thomas Wynswyth | cattle - 3' 4** 

in Lamlese and Pykfeld 
William Kentysley S^ 



Quarter of Morbroke = l* 0« l** 



2- 
2" 



4* 
4* 

2* 
1** 



Heirs of Wm. Wade for 

Morbroke 3' 

the same for Bedyng- 

ham 

George Roote for Mors and 

"»Knoll 

Richard Wydott 

John Colyar 

George Roote for Salt- 

mersshe TJ** 

Richard Osborn senior . . 1" 0** 
Tenants of land called 

Lovetts 74^ 

Relict of William A Down 1' O*' 
Richard Akehurst for mes- 
suage and land late 

Mersale 4^** 

John Onsty 1" O*" 

Robert Akeherst for land 

late Jurdan 1" S'* 

Heirs of Alexander Prym- 

myng ,. 2** 

The most interesting points in this rental are the pay- 
ments of the religious landowners. Although the Abbey 
of Begham had been dissolved two years before this the 
Abbot is still returned as holding Otham, and indeed so 
continues till 1537 ; and similarly the Prior of Michelham's 

^^ I am inclined to identify this with the ** ii hydas terre de Cnolle ** g^iveu to 
Lewes Priory by William de Kohannes ("S.A.C.," Vol. XL., p. 72) ; and this 
I consider identical with Chenenolle of Domesday : *' Ansfrid holds 2 hides of the 
Earl at Chenenolle. There is land for 2 ploughs. Tochi held them as allodium. 
In demesne is half a plough, and 1 villain with half a plough and 5 acres of 
meadow. In the time of King Edward they were worth 40 shillings. Now 15 
shillings." 



John Drew 4"* 

Richard Facher 2^ 

Henry Reder 3« 0"* 

Richard Kirksale 1' 0* 

Henry Smyth 4* 

Alan Cokshete 2'" 

Thomas Sparow 2* 

Wm. Osbarn for Hamonds 

and others 

William a Reede . . .' 

John Edwai'd of London . . 
Richard Mersale for 12 

acres of land 

Church of Haylesham for 

4 acres of land 

Same for 3 acres of 

land late Kyppyngs .... 
Church of Westham for 3 

acres of land late Kyp- 

pyng8 



H' 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 81 

name is found down to 1539, two years after the suppres- 
sion of that Priory. The New rriory was a house of 
the Augustinian Order, originally estabfished at Hastings, 
but subsequently — owing to its being endangered by 
incursions of the sea — removed to Warbleton, where the 
remains of the conventual buildings may be still seen ; 
concerning the land held by this priory called Avereys, 
which lies partly outside the Liberty, there is an interest- 
ing entry in the will of John Denyssh TDevenish), Esq., 
of Hellingly, made in 1477: ^''I woll that the veray 
yerly value of all my landes w* their appurtenances 
called Averays within the Myle of Pevense be delivered 
yerely to the sustentacion of A Lampe to bume per- 
petueily in the churche of Hellingleigh before the blissed 
sacrament, and to have an obite in the said churche with 
viij preeests taking for their labour v" iiij* and the vicar 
of the said churche xij* to see it be treuly doon and the 
clerke of the said churche viij* for syngynge And xij 
pooer men to have xij pennyworth of bread to pray for 
my soule and the soules of Margarett and Jane my Wifes 
and for the soules of my Fader my Moder and all cristen 
soules. And the Residue of the said yerely value to be 
kept in a boxe in contentacion if any neae or casualty 
falle." The term ^^ the Myle of Pevense" is not common, 
and taken in conjxmction with the fact that the Latin 
form of Lowey is Leucata, which means a league, would 
seem to imply that the Lowey was originally all the land 
within a certain radius — most probably three miles — of 
the castle of Pevensey. 

The two equal portions of land held by the churches of 
Westham and Haylesham had probably been bequeathed 
to them by the former owner, Keppyng; and most 
likely lay in ^^Kippings marsh," between Horseye and 
" Snapson's Drove," which belonged to this family 
certainly as early as 1380, in which year ^^ Robert Sayere 
and Margery his wife granted to Simon Wytots and 
Juliana his wife 3 roods of land in Haylesham in the 
Lowey of Pevensey in the place called Whytemersh 

i» Wattys, 28. 

»>* Add. Ch., 28,286. No doubt " Sayerland " takee its name from one of this 
family. 



82 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 



6" 3** \ 



^25- 3* 



(White Dyke), bounded on the east by the land of John 
Carpenter and John Bokholte (Buckholt in Horseye 
belonged to the manor of Bowley) and by the land of 
the said Simon on the west, the land of John Sage to 
the south and of Richard Keppyng to the north. The 
other portion of land held by tne church of Hailsham 
may have been identical with that assigned by the 
Archbishop in 1296 for the support of the vicarage ; for 
an account of which see next Chapter. 

At the same time that the survey of the bounds of the 
Borough of Hailsham was made in 1563 a detailed account 
of the Manor of Pevensey was also compiled, and from 
this I have extracted the portion referring to Hailsham : 

*** Manor of Pevensey 1563 

Free tenants, called Bonde Porterevetenentes 
Heirs of William Abrooke 6 parcels of marsli called 

Portrevehall in Downeasshe containg 12 acres, 

lying between Onsties Walle on the West and John 

Reder's land on the East 15* for Tallage , 

The same hold freely by charter of 9** Henry VII 5 "* 

parcels of marsh in Downeasshe containg 35 acres 

lying between the land of Sir Richard Sackville 

kt. on the Houth, and a certain Rivulet called 

^**Widiez streame on the North and abutting on I 

little Widiez on the East and Simon Bray's land I 

on the West ; late Riders 2* 6* for Tallage / 

Nicholas Akeherst holds by charter of 26* Henry \ 

Vin a piece of land called the Fry t in Haylesham 

containg two acres adjacent to the lands of the 

lord Bling on South and West and to the lands of 

Robert Akeherst called Jordans and the lands of 

Simon A Fennell formerly Downes on the East ; 

late of Robert Akeherst his father . . 2** for Tallage ^ 
The Same holds by charter of 1** Edward VI a parcel 

called Thetcher's Lande in the parish of Hayle- 
sham containing 1 1 acres adjacent to the landB of 

the lord King on the South to the lands of Jjord 

Dakers to the North and to the Wall leading to 

Downeasshe on the East TJ"* for Tallage 

John Marshall holds by charter of 3° Edward VI 

Oollinghagge in Haylesham adjacent to the lands 

called Ershames to the North, to the land called 

Barnet on the East to the lands of John Cockshoote 

on the South and North ; late Gubbour 

1"* for Tallage 



19* 0* 



6- 



2- 10 J* 



2- 4iV 



4i- 



1** Dj. of Lane, Misc., Div. xviii., 3. 



*" Probably withies a oeiers. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 



83 



Christoplier Drewe by charter of 22® Henry VII holds ^ 
a tenement with garden and 3 crofts in Haylesham 
containing 3^ acres adjacent to his own lands on ^ S^ \ 
the East, and to lands called Dineslande on the 
West ...1'' for Tallage 

The same by charter 25* Henry Vill holds a parcel \ ^ 2* 8* 

of land in Haylesham containg 6 acres between 
his own lands on the North and South and the road 
which leads from the cross called Stonecrosse to V 2' 
Westham on the East and the footpath leading 
from Haylesham to Bourne on the West; late l 
Eootes 6* for Tallage / 

John Thomas holds by charter of 5* Elizabeth a croft ^ 
called Knolles containing 2 acres adjacent to the 
land called Moses to the West, and to the lands 
of Simon A Fenell on the East and the lands of 
the monastery of Michellham on the South and the 
lands of Peter Woodgate on the North; in the 

parish of Haylesham ; late Xpher Drewe 

l^ for Tallage 

Bichard Kenneeley holds 2 parcels of land called ' 
Carpenters containing 8 acres in Haylesham 
adjacent to lands of Kalph Edwards called lich- 
berde on Southeast, to the highway between 
Pevensey and Haylesham on the South, to the 
lands of Thomas Denam and John Smythson on 
the West and to the lands late belonging to the 
fraternity of S* John of Estborne to the North 
and West; late Thomas Snowe and formerly 
Devenisshe 14 J** Tallage ^ 

John Fawkoner junior holds by charter in right of 
Elizabeth his wife with Bobert and Eoger Beane 
4 parcels of marsh or pasture called Greatkippings 
in Downeasshe containing 40 acres adjacent to the 
public road on the North, to the lands of John ^IS* 
Howell and Bichard Sackville kt. on the East, and 
the lands of James Gage Esq. on the South and to 
the lands of Simon Oaffynche on the West ; late 
Bichard AfPenell 2'for Tallage ^ 

Simon CafiRnche holds by charter of 2° Edward VI \ 
Kippings in Haylesham containing 5 acres adjacent 
to a waU leading from the highway to Eippings- 
gate on the East, to the common watercourse called 
Kipping's Mete on the South, and to another 
watercourse leading from Floter Flete between 
Kippings and Stuntesmarsh on the South West, 

and to Floter Flete on the North East 

1^ for Tallage 



y 6* 6Y 



y 2- 4'* 



Q 2 



84 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 



5- 0^ 



Edward Akeherst holds by charter of 22* Henry Vlli 
12 aci-es in Haylesham called Beeches at Downe- 
asshe adjacent to the Flete called Foterflete and to 1- 5" 0* 
the landjs late of the Prior of Michelham on the 
South East 1 2^ for Tallage ) 

Simon Affenell by charter of 30* Henry VIII holds 
Alveries in Haylesham containing 36 acres adjacent 
to road called Orenestreate on me West 

also; Seres lande containing 18 acres adjacent 
to the high street leading to Berebridge on the East 

also ; Bametts adjacent to the highway on the \ 
South East and to the road from Berebridge to I 
Haylesham on the West and the lands called i 
Irshames on the North 13** for Tallage ) 

Oeorge Snowe holds 16 acres in Devenisshewysshe 
adjacent to high road from Hailsham to Eickney 
on the North 

Allan Cockeshoote holds 3 acres called le Brooke 

John Bootes holds Saltemarshe in Moorebrooke \ 
adjacent to a road called a Droveway leading I 
from Downeasshe to Moorebrooke on the East, I ,^ 
and to a Sewar called Saltemershe streame on the [ " 
South, and to the highway leading from Downe- 
asshe to Moorebrooke on the West j 

Edward Wade holds Pondefoldefelde in Morebrooke 

John Baker kt. holds 4 acres in Bushebrooke in 
Moorebrooke and 3 acres in Kingewysshe 

The next document that I shall give affords a still 
fuller account of the field names and landowners at the 
date of its compilation, viz., 1650; this is the Parlia- 
mentary Survey of the Manor of Pevensey, of which a 
verbatim transcript is given in ^^ S.A.C.," Vol. XXIV., 
from which I have condensed the following : 

Free Portreeve Bents in Helsham 

Sir Thomas Gkige of Furle, 15 acres of marsh at Moorebrooke, rent ^'^ 

John Honny of Ditchling gent., land called Levetts in Moore- 
brooke rent i^ 

The heirs of Elizabeth Haffenden of Heathiield, land at White 

Dyke late Hamptons 20^ 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 



85 



Portreeve Service Rents 

Jolm Akehorst of Crawle in Warbleton gent., 
a toft bame and orchard inDowneashe and 

3 acres of land called the ^^^WiUowes . . Bent 6^ Tallage If^ 

10 acres of land in Downeashe Kent 11^^ Tallage OJ** 

10 acres there called Thistlefeild Rent IJ* Tallage ul^ 

1^ acre there called the Wall Rent H** Tallage 1^ 

4 acres called the Fleyte Rent 1* Tallage J'* 

Total 4* 0* 
John Akehurst of Downeashe, 1 2 acres called 

Beeches in Downeashe Rent 10^ Tallage 10^ 

10 acres there called Theachers Land . . Rent 8^ Tallage 7*^ 

Total 2- ll'' 
Richard Adams of Lewys g^nt., one mes- 
suage a garden two orchards and 4 acres 
of land ^edLambes at Moorebrooke. . Rent 8*^ Tallage 2^ 

2 acres there called Mersalls Rent S^'^ Tallage 2^ 

8 acres called Fennells Rent 1^ Tallage J** 

1^ acre called Bametts Rent 3J^ 

1 rood called Cutts late Fennells Rent f ** 

\ acre called Osbumee late Salmons .... Rent l^** Tallage 1*^ 

3 acres called Osbumes Rent 7* Tallage U** 

1^ acre called Osbumes Plodye Rent 4^'^ Tallage 2^ 

1 acre called Osbumes late Pages Rent 2^** Tallage 1^*^ 

1 acre called Osbumes Rent |* 

4 acres called Osbumes Rent 1^"^ 

Total 3- 9^ 
Thomas Bodle of Helsham, 25 acres called 

Bametts in Moorebrooke Rent 6* 7* Tallage 13* 

Total 7' 8^ 
Stephen French of Chittingly Esq., 12 acres 

called Luggeere at Downeashe Rent 4' Tallage S*' 

12 acres there called Dustys alias Port- 
reeve Hall Rent 5' Tallage IS"* 

1 acre called Prescotts Marsh in parish of 
Helsham Rent f* 

4 acres called Readers in Downeashe . . Rent I'D^** Tallage 4 J** 

5 acres called Mosses in Moorebrooke . . Rent 21*^ Tallage 6*^ 

Total 14" 8^ 
John Honney of Ditchling gent., 15 acres 

called Wardes in Moorebrooke Rent 3' 10* Tallage 14** 

Total 5- 0* 
Abraham Kenchly of Otham, 5 acres called 

Bramble Land in Moorebrooke Rent 6* 

John Meeres of Greenly, 12 acres called 

Tanners in Moorebrooke Rent 2' 8f •* Tallage 2' 

2i acres in parish of Helsham Rent 2^'^ Tallage 2^ 

Total 5- 1* 

"7 Possiblj the " little Widiez " of the last survey. 



86 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

Thomas Meeres, a messuage and 44 acres 

called the Averyes in Moorebrooke .... Bent ?• 6** Tallage 21^^ 
13 acres called Fennells in Moorebrooke Kent 2' 5^*^ Tallage 8^** 
32 acres called the Eeele in Eushbrooke Eent 6" 0** Tallage 8** 

Total 19« IJ* 

Richard Miller of Chittingly, 16 acres called 

Brayes Marsh near Downeashe Eent 3' 8^ Tallage 16"^ 

Total 5* O** 

M' Newman of East Orinstead, 24 acres 

called the Averyes in Moorebrooke .... Rent 19* 9^** 

The Go-heirs of Thomas Newneham alias 

Newton of Lindfeild 6 acres called 

Caffinches Croft at Kipping gate bridge Rent 1" 9** Tallage 7*> 

Total 2« 4'* 
Thomas Pim of Helsham, 3 acres called 

Collinghagg at Moorebrooke Rent 4 J* 

Thomas Pettit of Hellingly, 40 acres called 

EippingsMersh in Horsy e near Downashe 

and parishes of Helsham and Pevensey . Rent 1 6' 0** Tallage 2' 0* 

Total 18- (^ 
John Reade of Helsham, messuage and land 

called Reedes in Downeashe Rent 9^"* 

Sir George Stroude of Westram in Kent 
knight, 8 acres called Beddinghams in 

Downeashe Rent 4'0** Tallage 7^^ 

12 acres called Devenish Wish near 

Downeashe Rent 2* 0* Tallage 21'* 

Total 8* 4^** 
John Stapeley of Wootton, 6 acres called 

Drapers in Helsham Rent 20** Tallage 61** 

23 acres called Drapers in Downeashe in 

Helsham and Pevensy Rent 1 1' 0J*> Tallage 23** 

26 acres called Drapers in Downeashe in 

Helsham Rent 7' 6* Tallage 2' l** 

1 acre at Downeasshe Rent b^ Tallage 1^ 

Total 25' 3** 
William Stonestreete of Helsham, 10^ acres 

called Carpenters in Downeashe Rent 5' 4** Tallage 14^^ 

Total 6' 6i* 
William Sumner of Hellingly, 18 acres in 

the White Dyke Rent 5« O'* 

Barbara and Elizabeth heirs of MUes 
Thomasin, 5 acres called Martins in 
Moorebrooke » Rent 7 J** 

The Co-heirs of John Theacher Esquire, 
1 9 J acres called Wades Land at Moore- 
brooke : Rent5"10|«» Tallage 16* 

29 acres called Wades land Rent 3- 8 J** Tallage 2' 2* 

Total 14" li** 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 8T 

Thomas Wefler of Jeevington, 10 acres 

called Poundfeild in Moorebrooke Kent 2* 9** 

Sum total of Portreeve Service Bents in Helsham £8 12 1. 

Castle op Pemsbt 

Thomas Threele : All those parcels of uplands and marsh lands 
called the Fry, in Downeashe containing 6 acres 1 rood 27 perches, 
bounded on the North by the highway from Downeash to Salt Mersh 
streetes, on the South west by land called Goose Marsh, on the South 
by marshland called M' Eeaders seven acres, and on the East by 
Plumtree Marshes; now in occupation of John Akeherst of Downeashe: 
Estimated at £4. 10. 0. 

All which parcels we have continued by lease in the hands of the 
said John Akeherst for one year : and we find upon measurement that 
these parcels contain more than is claimed by 1 acre 1 rood 27 perches 
which we estimate at 20* 

All those parcels of land called the Dry Lewyns between Kickney 
Bridge and Downeashe in parish of Pevensey, bounded on the South 
by Greenly sewer, on the West by lands called Devenish's Wish and 
Beddinghams being the lands of Sir George Stroude, on the North 
and East by the highway from Eickney to Downeash, containing 
47 acres 1 rood 17 perches: and an other parcel called the West 
Lewyns in Helsham bounded on the South west by the highway 
leading from Rickney to Downash and deviding between the Dry 
Lewyns and this parcel, on the West and North and Northeast by 
lands called Luggeers, and on the Southeast by Brayes Marsh, con- 
taining 13 acres 10 perches: also two other parcels called the West 
Lewyns bounded by Luggeers on the South and West, and on the East 
by Collyers Gutt, containing 14 acres 3 roods 11 perches: estimated 
at £10. 

Also a parcel of land called King Wish in Moorebrook bounded on 
the West by the highway from Moorebrook to Sealand, on the North 
by lands called the Foxes, and on the East and South by lands of 
M' Newman : and another parcel of land called Kushbrooke bounded 
on the East by the said highway and on the Southwest and North by 
lands called Sealands; which two parcels contain 14 acres being parted 
only by the said highway : estimated at £7. 

We find the last mentioned parcels to be let by the Committee of 
the County for some years past as lands sequestered from Maurice 
Auberte the late Queen's surgeon who produceth no title to the 
same : we have therefore granted a lease hereof to James Fennell of 
Willingdon for one year. 

A parcel of land called Kings Acre in Poundsfould in Moorebrooke 
containing one acre now in tenure of Thomas Weller of Jeevington 
in the right of John Giles and M' Benjamin Scarlett who claims by 
indenture of 27*^ January 18'^ Charles wherein William Gillett and 
Elinor his wife for £60 sold to the said Scarlett and one Richard Crunden 
all their right in the said parcel and other lands but by what title 
Gillett and his wife claimed does not appear: Estimated at 21" 



88 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Memorand : that the parcels last mentioned viz. 3 acres in South- 
lease 4 acres in Heyland Marsh 2 acres near Hurst Haven and 1 acre 
in Poundfeild were granted by Queen Elizabeth, 14 Dec. 45*** year, to 
Bobert Feetcrson for 21 years to commence in September 10*^ James, 
and the same parcels were granted by King James, 3 Feb. 4'** year, to 
Edward Ferrers for 50 years to commence on determination of the last 
mentioned lease; of which time there remain 35 years unexpired; 
paying therefor the reserved rent of 13' 4**. 

Three parcels of upland and marshland called the Kings Wishes at 
Moorebrooke bounded on the East by lands of Sir George Stroude, on 
the South and West by lands called Sealands belonging to M" Newman, 
containing 10 acres 2 roods 6 perches now in tenure of James Fennel! 
of Wilmington to whom we have granted a lease for one year : 
Estimated at £6. 13. 4. 

Memorand : that the last mentioned parcels have been possessed by 
Jennings, Auberte and three of their assignees ever since the first 
grant of Queen Elizabeth without having any right or title to the 
same, not being mentioned in any of their grants. 

Amongst the lands of the Duchy of Lancaster in the 
Liberty of Pevensey granted to Lord Portland in 1696 
are : ^^Kingswich in Moorbrook, Rushey brook near 
Kingswich, Prestyland alias Seyland, alias Isleland, alias 
Old Land, lands lately found in John Threele's occupa- 
tion, and Pondfield in Moorbrook. A long list of field 
names and landowners in 1780 will be found in Chapter 
X., and various references to places mentioned in the 
foregoing surveys will be found throughout the book, 
more especially in the Chapter on Otham ; it only 
remains to mention the eighteenth century Court Book 
of Pevensey Hundred. The entries in this are mostly of 
an uninteresting nature, referring mainly to presentments 
for keeping up roads; e.g., 1702, the Parish of Hailsham 
presented for not repairing the Highways from Marland 
Bridge to Lambs marsh; 1708, a wain bridge on the 
Queen's Highway from Glynley to Hailsham is very 
(Ulapidated and the inhabitants of Hailsham are notified 
to repair it; 1722, John Chan tier, yeoman, presented 
for not making hedges on the road from Morbrooke to 
Hailsham Common. 

Willingdon manor we have already seen mentioned 
in the 1625 Survey of Ershams, alias Hailsham, three 

"e Add. MSS., 33,058. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 89 

parcels being held of it. The first of these parcels is 
*' Joyes house and one croft;" this may very likely be 
identical with the house mentioned in an ^inquisition 
held in 1420 by William Alysaundre, deputy of Sir 
Walter Hungerford, Chief Steward of the iJuchy of 
Lancaster in the South, concerning waste caused by Sir 
John Pelham, Warden of Pevensey Castle and grantee 
of the Honor of Aquila ; under the heading Wylindon : 
*' he has caused waste in allowing the SoUar of the chapel 
in the Dongean of the Castle of Pevensey to be out of 
repair and dilapidated to the extent of 5" ; and in allow- 
ing the wooden bridge before the Dongeun to be ruinous 
and ' in plankys supra dictum pontem precii vj" viij* esse 
discoopertum ; ' and in allowing a house which John 
Kychyn holds of John Pelham according to the custom 
of the manor in Haylesham to be ruinous and unthatched 
(discoopertaniy stripped of its covering) to the extent of 
10'." I presume '* the manor" is that of Willingdon, as 
it occurs under that head amongst other references to 
Willingdon, but I do not understand why the Castle of 
Pevensey should be mentioned here. The notice of the 
chapel is interesting and is the only reference to its 
fabric that I remember to have seen ; and the application 
of the term Dongean to the Norman Castle shows that 
the old Roman walls were still considered the castle 
proper and the later building regarded as the keep. In 
the ^** account of Thomas de Leem, reeve of Wyllendone 
for 1283, are several references to Iverikesham, which 
I have in an earlier chapter identified with Ersham. 
'' Received from the tenement of Yverikkesham 40'. 
Item, paid to the hundred silver for the land of Yverik- 
kesham 2^ : " and another entry the meaning of which is 
not quite obvious : '^ Acquit' defco — in Defcii operum 
terr' de Yverikkesham 12^^." Ducange gives two inter- 
pretations of '^ opera," either of which suit fairly well ; 
first, service due from a vassal to his lord, forced labour, 
corveCy or secondly, payment towards the maintenance 

i» Dy. of Lauc. Inq., Vol. II., 10. 

"0 For an account of the excavation of this chapel see ** S.A.C.,'* Vol. VI. 

"1 Orig. Min. Accta., 1031-16. 



90 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



of a church. Now in the rental of Othani Abbey, about 
1200, is an entry to the eflfect that they pay for the 
manor of Otham 12(1. to the church of Wulendon; so 
that I am inclined to give it the second meaning. In 
the account of James Scherreve, reeve of Wyllendone for 
1286, the rent ^'received for the lease of the tenement 
of Iverikkesham " is 46s. 8d., but in the accounts of his 
successor, William de Estacre, for 1287 to 1289 the name 
does not occur. 

In a survey of Willingdon manor in 1564 five parcels 
of land are mentioned in the parish of Hailsham ; of 
these four are, as would be expected, at the south of the 
parish, but one — "Omforde" — is in the north, at Amber- 
stone, as is shown both by the bounds and the name, for 
we have already seen that in 1510 Amberstone is called 
^^Ombeford," being at that time held by Humphrey 
Sackvile of the Fee of Hertfield. 

^'■Survey of Manor of Willingdon 1564. 

John A Rede holds freely by charter of !■' Dee. 27* Henry ,^ 
VIII 15 acres of land in Haylesham adjoining the King's 
highway leading from Downeasshe to WiUingdowne and 
the lands of Simon Affenell towards the South, the lands 
of WiUiam Sheperde to the North, the lands of John I 
Bootes to the West, and the lands of Nicholas Akeherst to I 
the East, paying ' 

Bichard Sackvile knight holds by charter a tenement called \ 
Omforde containing by estimation 60 acres adjoining the 
lands of Alexander Tutt in Haylesham to the South, the '- 
Common Stream leading to Spindell bridge to the East j 
and North, and the highway to the West ] 

William Shepherde holds by charter of 27° Henry VIII a ^ 
tenement called Well croftes containing 1 5 acres, lying in 
Haylesham adjoining the lands of the heirs of John 
Honnstye to the South, the King's highway to the East, 
the lands of Peter Coker and John Waresdeane and 
William Edwardes to the North, the lands of John Bootes 
to the West 

Also a parcel of land called Hodieland containing 20 acres 
adjoining the high road to the East, the lands of John 
Bootes and of the heirs of Honnstye to the North, the 
lands of John Bootes and of the heirs of Bede to the West 
and the lands of Lord Dakers to the South 



3- 2^ 



7i- 



10- 



iM PeneSy Messrs. Hunt, Currey & Nicholson, who kindly produced it for me. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 91 



Simon Affenell holds by copy of court roll 18® Henry VIII \ 
55 acres of land late of Thomas Amilton and Ursula his 
wife called Vinalls. And also 55 acres of land in Hayle- 
sham called Mannslode late of Thomas Middelton adjoining 
the King's highway from Swjmeshill to Haylesham on the 
AVest, the highway and the lands of Allan Goekshott on 
the North and East, and the lands of Eichard Kenchley 
on the South 



y 9« lO-* 



Amongst the Court Rolls in the Record Office are the 
^"'rolls of four Sheriff's Tourns held at the Court of 
Ludley in the time of Elizabeth, apparently for the whole 
Honor of Aquila. At each of these Tourns Haylsham is 
represented by a headborough and four tithing men ; at 
the Courts held in 18th and 19th Elizabeth the jury of 
Dyll make no presentments, but at that of 30th Elizabeth 
*Hhe twenty-four of Flexborough" present, amongst other 
things, that : The tenants of the land called Manninges 
in Haylesham have not made their ditches between 
Amberstone and Megham Downe beyond Seedingelegge: 
Richard Kenslye has not drawn oflf the water from the 
Queen's highway nor made his ditches on the highway 
near Swynes: William Fayerway has obstructed the 
footway leading from the six acres to Whelplye Bridge : 
the inhabitants of Hailsham and Arlington have not put 
down three wooden gutters called gutts in the Queen's 
highway between the Hawke of Mylton and Haylesham 
as they were ordered to do, so are fined 3s. 4d. and are 
to put down the said gutters as far as is necessary before 
next court under penalty of 40s. The Hawke, or Hake 
as it is more often called, is the open common, now called 
Milton Hide. 

Two other manors occur incidentally in connection with 
Hailsham. In a ^^* survey of Lord Burgavenny's manors, 
made in 1622, under the head of Radmell Beverington 
(an Eastbourne manor) : 

Heirs of John Butcher of Ninfeild hold by service one half of ) ^.^ 
the land called Hawkes in Haylesham : 25 aores ) 

John and Thomas Crunden hold by sei-vice the other haK of the ) ^^ 
said lands containing 25 acres in Haylesham and Hellingly . . ) 

"■ Court RoUb, 126, 1884. i" Add. MSS., 5,705. 



92 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

The other reference occurs in the ^*^ Royalist Composi- 
tion Papers, where Edward Earl of Dorset is returned as 
holding " certain lands in Halsham perquisites of the 
courts within the Forrest of Ashdowne ; " where or what 
these lands were I do not know, unless they corresponded 
to the Fee of Hertfeild, in which case they would be at 
Amberstone. 

Of the religious communities that held land in Hailsham 
the most important, with the exception of the convents of 
Otham and Michelham,. which will be dealt with in special 
sections, was the Abbey of Battle. The property of this 
great house in Hailsham and Hellingly formed part of 
its manor of Alciston and stretched right across the two 
parishes at their junction, dividing the Hundred of Dill 
into two portions. Several references to these lands will 
be found in the account of Michelham Priory; the 
following notes are from a Rental of Battle Abbey about 
1450: 

"^Alcyston : 

Lands of William atte Wode of the Fee of the Abbot of Begham 
called Bemetlond bounded by the lane leading from le Pykegate to 
the land called le Bemet. [Bamets, adjoining Long Erehams on the 
S.W. and the road from Downash to Moorbrook.] 

Lands in Haylesham and Erlyngton called Sell londs held by John 
Potter ^'^ and a tenement and certain lands adjacent called Dunsynges 
formerly of Kalph Gardyner in Haylesham and hundred of Alciston 
bounded by Einff's highway from le Lepecrouche [Leap Cross] to le 
Kjiockheche to N.W., by land of Kichard Page formerly of Kobert 
Grove of the Fee of Wylmyngton to E., and by land of Prior of 
Michelham called Caldeburgh to S.: rent, at the Feast of the Annuncia- 
tion 12** and at Michaelmas 12** 

The same John holds, Gretebromefeld in Haylesham and Erlyngton 
bounded by Thomas Crowcher's lands of Hempsted and by lus own 
lands to N.E, and by the land of Hempsted to S. and W., and by the 
road from le Lepecrouche to le Knockheche to E. 

Thomas Croucher and John Vynch hold land called le Whitelond in 
Haylesham where is a piece of land in which is a certain great pit 
called Marlepette lying near the land of the said Thomas and John 

"6 Series H., Vol. 20. 

"6 Aug. Off., MIbc. Books, 57. 

w Bodleian ; Sussex Charters, 85 : ** John Pottcre of Haylesham gives to John 
Fackham, Richard Page, John Blakstok and Thomas atte Wode all his lands in 
Haylesham and Erlington except those held of the manor of Alston ** ad voluntatcm 
domini.'* 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 93 

called le Whitelondfeld of the fee of tlie prebend of Hempstede and 
adjoining a portion of same field which is of the fee of the Abbot of 
Battle and part of la Whitelond to N., and the road from la lepecrouche 
to le Knouehecche to S. and abutting of the land of Hempstede to 
W. Also 2 acres of land adjoining the land of Hempstede called le 
Gosecroft and the land of the Prior of Mjchelham called le lepelond 
to N.E., and the said land in which is the Marlepette to W., and the 
said highroad to S., and the Whitelondfeld to N.: rent, at Feast of 
the Annunciation 12*^, Michaelmas 12"*. 

The Prior of Michelham holds lands in Haylesham called Caldeburgh 

tOoolbrook] adjoining the high road from le Lepecrouche to le Knok- 
leche to N. W. on the one side, and the land of John Nicholas formerly 
of Bichard Cowden of the fee of Wylmjngton called Lammeralond 
and the land of Simon Widoth called Buskehey [Bushey Field] to 
S.E. on the other side, abutting on a water counse leading from le 
buskehey to le Notebrigge and thence to the bank of S(t)eme on S.W. 
and the land of John Potter of the demesne fee on N.E; rent, at 
Easter 2* 6"^ and at Michaelmas 2" 6**, and heriot when it occurs 1 3' 4** 
and relief and court service to the manor of Alciston ; and holds freely. 

[From a Eental about 1520 :] 

"* Haylesham. 

Heirs of Bichard Profote hold certain land with buildings on it 

called Densings lately Profote's formerly John Potter's 12** 

Also, Whitelands lately Profote's formerly Thomas Crowcher's 

and John Fynche's 12** 

The Prior of Michelham holds freely land called Caldeburgh 

and owes for heriot when it occurs 13* 4*> 

and for court service 2* 6** 

Besides the above there is a survey of the manor of 
Alciston in Lord Grage's Manor Book of 1625, from which 
I have extracted the portion headed ^'Hailshara parish;" 
it appears, however, to also contain land in Arlington, 
as for instance Starnash, but the greater part is no doubt 
Hailsham. 

Alcyston. 

'*Hease. The Diker. Hailsham Parish. 

Edward Akers (George 1626 [Eobert 1641] Crowhurst) for 
a tenement containing 7 acres called Dunsings late 
Thomas Abrooke and before John Potter : bond tenure 
1 her. yearly rent of 



2- 



"* Rentals and Surveys, 642. 

"• "John Elphege and formerly Henry his father held Sou these adjoining the 
bank leading from Ambeleghhisbrigge to Hellinglegh on the South, and the 
demesne land called Scoperedes on the East." Aug. Off., Misc. Books, 57. 



94 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 



Edward Awsten (now Robert Freeman) for a cottage and 
2 acres of land late Barbara Parker and before Kobert 
Bead : bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

John Bodle (John Hompden fnow Thomas Haris]) for a 
cottage and 3 crofts called Plenties late Eichard Grayes: 
bond tenure 1 her. rente of 

For a parcell of land called Canes to the other land 
adjoining : bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

James Benton (Harbart Wenham) for a cottage and close 
containing by estimacon 2 acres called Harmans : bond 
tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

George Dawes (Fran : Botting) in the right of his wife 
for a tenement and 5 acres cvSled Stemasshe late Richard 
Readers : bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

Robert Fowler for a cottage and 1 acre of land late 
Edward Austens : bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent .... 

Richard Fuller an infant for a cottage and 2 acres some- 
time Richard Rolfs ; bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent . . 

John Qratwick (Henry Chapman) for a cottage and 4 acres 
late John Awsten and before Stockles : bond tenure 1 
her. yearly rent 

Ralfe Mousehurst for a cottage and 2 acres called Mole- 
cocks late John Readers and before Newmans: bond 
tenure 1 herriet yearly rent 

Edward Mepham for a cottage imder Abbots Wood: 
bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

Edward Hemsley (widow Ades) for a cottage parcell of 
Canes late Alice Paynes : bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

Stephen (Dorothie) Stone for a cottage and one acre of 
land late Heniy Funnell and before John Woodsell : 
bond tenure 1 herriet yearly rent 

And in the right of his wife for a cottage newly erected 
upon the Lord's Waste : yearly rent 

Zealous Stone widdow for a cottage and 4 acres of land 
sometime Holebeames and after Much Mercy Rowfe : 
bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

And 2 acres late William Readers: bond tenure 1 her. 
yearly rent 

Harbert Wenham for a cottage taken out of Readers 
land : bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

Stephen Wenham (Mathew Richards) for a cottage and 5 
acres of land late William (Greenfield and before Bodies : 
bond tenure 1 her. yearly rent 

There is paid unto the Lord yearely in the 
Burrowe for Common Fine 

Sum in this whole Burrowe 



■ 2« 

3» 4^\ 

12^ 

3«2d 

I 12^ 
I 120 

4» 

J down] 
16<i 



ulled 
own] 



J dc 
4* 5** 
16^ 
I 2<* 

2«8'» 

2* 



5* 9<« 



2» 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 95 

Hease Borrow 
John Alohome ) for a tenement and lands in Haylesham | ^s gd 

and Fuller J called Dansjnges ) 

and for a tenement and divers parcells of ' 
Freeland and pasture lying m 
unto the lands of Michellham and 
Hempsteed sometyme known by the 
name of Whitlands sometime Thomas 
Crowches 

Of the other Sussex monasteries in the neighbourhood 
Lewes appears to have held only the land at Harebeating, 
which we have already seen was granted to them by 
William de Warrenne. The alien priory of Wilmington, 
a cell of the Norman Abbey of Grestein, had a slight 
connection with Hailsham : ^^'^Adam Cuk gives to 
Wilmington a rent of 12* which Thomas the smith of 
Heylesham used to pay him for a tenement there, and a 
rent of 4* from tlie Mill of Eylesham, and 4* rent which 
William Sotharin paid him for a tenement there. And 
Richard son of Adam le Cuke quitclaimed all his right in 
the lands and houses which Adam his father held of the 
said convent in Heylesham." This appears to be the 
only property held by this priory within the parish and 
even this does not appear in any of the later extents of 
the monastery, ^*^one of which was made at Haylesham 
in 1371 before John de Bisshopstone the King's escheator. 
The New Priory of Hastings we have seen held Avereys 
in Otham Quarter ; and the Royal Free Chapel or College 
of St. Mary in the Castle of Hastings also held a little 
land here, the prebend of Hugh de Flescis (or de Flocer) 
being endowed by Walter, son of Lambert (or Fitz- 
LamberO with ^^ '4he tithes of all his lands and one hostry 
in Helesnam," of which I find no further mention. 

In 1313 ^^'an inquisition was held at Lewes, in which the 
jurors say that it is not to the King's detriment to allow 
Henry Garlaund to give ^^ a messuage and 50 acres of land 

1** Dogdale^B " Monasticon." 

"1 Add. MSS., 6,164. 

i<> Chancery ^lisc. RoUh, ^. Mr. C. Dawson has pointed out to me that in 
Domesday one Hugh held Flescinges, while the other variety of the name appears 
in the GeofEiy de Floe, who held land in Gestellnges. 

i« Inq. p.m., 7 Edw. II., 52. 



96 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

in Hailsham to the Dean and Chapter of Chichester to 
support a chaplain to say service daily for his soul and 
the souls of all Christian men ; and that the land is held 
in chief of the King as of the Barony of Aquila, which 
came into the hands of King Edward I. by the death of 
his mother Eleanor, by fealty and service of 20s. lOd., 
and the true value is 20'. 8*." The land thus given was 
apparently Groveland, not far from Leap Cross, as in the 
^** valuation of Chichester Deanery in 1537 is entered: 
" Lease of certain lands in Helsham called Grrovelonds 
in the tenure of Peter Snowe who pays per annum 20"." 
Having been given for ^^superstitious uses" it was no 
doubt seized by the Crown; at any rate in the 1625 
Rental of Hailsham manor Grovelands appears without 
any mention of the Dean of Chichester. 

It only remains to mention a Chantry in Winchelsea : 
^^'^In 1478 Matilda Farnecombe endowed a chantry in the 
church of St. Thomas at Winchelsey with certain lands, 
of which no details are given in the inquisition, in 
Haylesham and adjacent parishes. Amongst the "^ Battle 
Abbey deeds is one of 1477, by which Matilda Fame- 
combe, widow, is enfeoffed of Hankeham in Westham, 
Haylesham, Mankesey and Horsey e ; and on the sup- 
pression of chantries by Edward Vl. the ""^possessions 
of '^ Godfrey's Chantry'' in Winchelsea incluae Hancke- 
ham lands, and amongst the reprises are ^* Rent resolute 
to our Lord the King issuing out of lands in Westeham 
Pemsey and Halesham in the tenure of John Senocke, 
4" 2*; rent resolute to Earl of Arundel from the same 
land, 2- 0J^" 

This concludes our account of the divisions of the 
parish, into the composition of which we have seen that 
fourteen manors and nine religious communities enter! 
We now turn to the history of the church. 

1** " Valor Ecclesiaaticus." »« Thorpe's Catalogue. 

i« Inq. ad q. d., 17 Edw. IV., 62. "7 " S.A.C.," Vol. XXIH. 




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\. I v. \\ti;i,. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The date and circumstances of the foundation of the 
church of Hailsham are alike uncertain and will be 
more easily considered after the examination of its early- 
history. The first reference that we have to it is in 
1229, when ^*** Gilbert de Aquila bestowed the advowson 
of the church of Haylesham upon his newly founded 
priory of Michelham. "®In 1238 the Pope granted a 
dispensation to Jordan Archdeacon of St. David's to 
hold one additional benefice besides the archdeaconry 
and a yearly pension of 12 marcs in the Church of 
Helesham in the diocese of Chichester. The grant of a 
pension in a church so very remote from the seat of his 
office is curious ; it may have been merely a coincidence, 
but it is worth noting that one Jordan was Abbot of 
Otteham, and subsequently — till about 1220 — of Bayham. 
Can he have been translated from Bayham to the Arch- 
deaconry of St. David's ? 

When we next catch sight of the church the great law 
suit, or series of suits, between the Abbey of Bayham 
and the Priory of Michelham and the Rector of Hailsham 
for possession of the church is in full swing. ^**Ili 1279 
the Abbot of Begeham was summoned to answer to the 
King wherefore, when all pleas concerning the advowsons 
of churches belong to the Crown and to no other court 
within the kingdom, he prosecuted a plea concerning the 
advowson of the church of Haylesham in Court Christian 
to the detriment of the Crown, and Richard de Gosefeud, 
who prosecuted for the King, says that the said Abbot on 
St. Clement's Day in the 6th year of the King's reign 
brought an action concerning the said advowson against 
the Prior of Mychelham before Edmund de Ba, com- 
missary of the Abbot of Lesenys, in the Church of St. 
Mary of Suthwerk, and the Prior brought against him 
on that day the royal prohibition against proceeding 

i« Pat., 130 Henry m. "• Calendar of Papal Letters, Vol. I. 

"0 De Banco, 36. 

n 



98 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

further in that suit, but the Abbot in contempt of the 
prohibition continued his action in the said court. And 
the Abbot, who was represented by Robert de la Downe, 
denies entirely that on the said day he prosecuted a plea 
concerning the adowson contrary to the said prohibition, 
and on this he appeals to jury. So the Sheriff is ordered 
to summon within a month of Easter 12 men who are in 
no way connected with the said Abbot, &c. Afterwards, 
in the Octaves of St. John Baptist the Sheriff summoned 
12 men, but they were poor men and not qualified; so 
request is made that the Sheriff. shall summon in the 
Octaves of St. Martin 12 other men, of whom six shall be 
knights girt with a sword (i.e., knights banneret). What 
the result of this case was is not shown, but in 1282 the 
Abbot appears to have again appealed to the same court, 
as there is a very mutilated "^deed in the Bodleian of 
this date which appears to be a decision of the Arch- 
deacon of Southwark against the Prior of Michelham; 
and there are also one or two similar "* deeds without 
date, probably of the same period, to the same effect. 
The Prior, however, or rather Robert de Blatchington, 
who was then rector of the church, appealed to Canter- 
bury and recovered possession for two or three years, at 
the end of which time the Abbot seems to have executed 
a coup cPetat and seized the church by force, occasioning 
the following letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury 
to the King : 

^The Abbot and oonvent of Begeham, having with unheard of 
guile intruded themselyes into the church of Halesham, had been 
ejected and Master Robert de Blechington, rector there " ab antiquo," 
had been replaced by decree of the .Archbishop's court and had held 
the church lor some years without opposition. But the said Abbot 
and convent violently expelled the said rector and, laying aside the 
fear of Qod, secretly and sacrilegiously intruded themselves into the 
said church, contrary to the sentence and decree of the court. And 
they were excommunicated and penalised as far as the church of 
Canterbury had power ; yet they continued in their sacrilege answering 
the Archbishop's sentences with unheard of blasphemies; moreover 
they intend to place their Recorder in possession of the position that 

^ SuBflex Oharten, 166. 

ua Sussex RoUs, 4. 

^ FTjrme'B ** Histoiy of the Pope's IntoUeiable XJsuipatlonB," p. 355. 



mSTOBT OF HAILSHAM. 09 

they have gained by sacrilege, defending their position with a false 
and hypocritical appearance of religion, and with armed force retain 
the church thus profaned, to the great weakening of all church 
discipline. As therefore the canonical power has fculed the king is 
humoly implored to cause them to be ejected by lay power and force 
and to restore the said Eobert and protect and defend him with the 
royal authority, so that the judgement of the church may not be 
brought into contempt. ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ j^g^ 

The immediate result of which is shown by an entry 
on the Assize Roll of 1288 : 

*" Presentments made by knights. 

The Jury present that in the — year of the present Kind's reign 
when the Abbot of Begehame was in possession of the church of 
Heylesham and had the King's protection, the Fjrior of Michelhamme 
with Henry de G-uldeford his canon, Master Hobert de Blechynton, 
Bobert de Berdewyk, Laurence de la Toune vicar of Heylesham, 
William le Rede of Ferles, John le Clerk of Heylesham, Richard 
Goldyng, John de Horse, Richard de Runtyngton and others came 
with force of arms to the said church of Heylesham and entered into 
it and assaulted the men of the same Abbot who were in the church, 
against the King's peace and in defiance of the King's protection. 
And the Prior and the others came and deny any breach of the peace : 
and they say that the church of Heylesham is in the patronage of the 
same Prior, and that the aforesaid Master Robert was parson of the 
church; and that Robert had been ejected by the Abbot and his men 
and that the same Robert by a suit held thereupon in the Court of 
Canterbury between him and the Abbot had by a definitive decision 
recovered possession of the same. And they say that the said Robert 
had obtained a writ of the King's Coroner for the county for the 
removal of lay power from the said church, and that the said Prior 
and his canon and certain others with him came to see and bear witness 
to Master Robert's claim of possession and to enforce it by the Arch- 
bishop's authority; and the others who came there came for the 
removal of the lay power as aforesaid : and he requests that enquiry 
be made into the truth of his statement. 

And the Jury state on their oath that the said Master Robert did 
recover possession of the church against the Abbot in the Court of 
Canterbury by a definitive decision. 

The date of this ejectment is not given, but was 
probably 1287 at latest; at any rate ^"on Wednesday 
after the Feast of St. Gregory (March 12th), 1288, 
Richard Abbot of Begham sends greeting to Gilbert 
Bishop of Chichester and presents '' to the vicarage of 
Haylesham now vacant our beloved in Christ Dom. 

u« ABdze RoU, 924. ^ Add. MSS., 6,307. 

H 2 



322937B 



100 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

WilKam de Temple." However, matters went on for 
another eight years with probably constant fighting in 
the law courts, if not in the church, first one party 
winning and then the other ; Robert de Blachington had 
died and Bogo de Clare, " a most insatiable pluralist," 
had succeeded him; fresh actions were about to be 
brought, when at last it was agreed to submit the matter 
to the Archbishop's personal arbitration, and in 1296, 
after twenty years of litigation, he settles the matter 
finally, and his elaborate and interesting award I give 
here m full : 

^ There having arisen some time since litigation between the Abbat 
and convent of the monastery of Begeham of the diocese of Chichester 
on the one part, and Master Bobert de Blechendon on the other part, 
concerning the church or chapel of Haylesham which the said monks 
declare to be a chapel of the church of Hellynffgeleye, which is 
appropriated to them, and dependent thereon, which the said Bobert 
denies asserting that he himself is Hector of the same church of 
Haylesham : and there having been many different lawsuits instituted 
between them and at first the same Bobert and after him Dom. Bogo 
de CHare who after the death of the same Bobert held the before- 
mentioned church of Haylesham : and the said lawsuits still continuing 
undecided : the same monks holding the said church of Haylesham to 
be a chapel of their church of Hellynggeleve as mentioned above, on 
the one part, and our venerable brother Gubert Bishop of Chichester 
firmly asserting that the frequently mentioned church of Haylesham, 
as being of old time a mother church of the parish, should be governed 
by a secular Bector, on the other part, fresh actions were pending in 
the Court of Canterbury but the same parties taking wiser counsel 
and agreeing that it were right peacably to obtain a proper declaration 
and decision on the premised points and the condition of the said 
church, they in this matter submitted themselves entirely to our 
definitive decision and produced letters of submission and renunciation 
both on behalf of the said monks for themselves and their successors 
and on behalf of the said Bishop for himself and his successors, with 
their seals affixed alternately. . . . We, having examined the evidence 
.... decree, annoimce, definitively declare and ordain as follows. 

First : that the said church of Haylesham with all the rights and 
privileges appertaining to the Bectory thereof, as being a diapel of 
the aforesaid church of Hellynggeleye and dependant thereon shall 
remain for the future in the^perpetual possession of the said Abbot, 
convent, and monastery of Begeham for their own profit in their full 
right; and the same church or chapel of Haylesham we fully and 
entirely appropriate to them, saving a perpetual vicarage in the said 
chapel. And concerning the vicarage we ordain : that the vicar who 
is now in the said church and his successors for ever shall fully receive 

U8 Winchelsea Begister, folio 190. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 101 

all the oblations made in the church, all the obyentions of the altar of 
the same, that is, all the small tithes of the parish of milk, wool, 
lambs, calves, geese, pigs, mills, hay, herbage, pasture, pannage, 
gardens, orchards, bees, doves, merchandise, wood, timber, nuntinff, 
and from all crofts or closes in the same parish which are tilled witn 
the feet or with hand instruments by the hands of either men or 
women as in messuages or in gardens in curtilages, saving to the 
Abbot and convent of Begeham all privileges of freedom from tithes 
according to their privileges, and custom formerly observed. Also the 
same monks as being Bectors of the same chapel of Haylesham shall 
be subject to the or£naries. Also the vicar shall receive the mortuary 
dues and chief legacies of the parishioners of the same chapel and 
all other lesser obventions of the same parish which have hitherto 
belonged by custom and use of the parish to the same church, and 
which the vicars or rectors of that place have been wont to receive in 
right of the rectory or vicarage ; excepting the greater tithes issuing 
from the lands of the same parish tilled with ploughs or animals, 
exclusive of the greater tithes of the undermentioned lands which are 
assigned to the augmentation of the vicarage and exclusive of the 
manse belonging to the rectory of the same church or chapel of 
Haylesham and the houses connected with the same and the demesne 
lands belonging to the rectory ; and these greater tithes of corn, the 
manse and buudings of the rectory, and the demesne lands of the 
rectory shall remain in perpetuity to the said Abbot and Convent of 
Begeham for their own proper use, excepting a certain portion of the 
land of the said rectory manse which we assign to the said vicar and 
his successors for curtilage and garden. Further as we consider that 
the portions assigned as aforesaid to the vicar do not suffice to cover 
his expenses We assign to the said vicar in perpetual augpoientation of 
the said vicarage all the greater tithes arising &om certain land in the 
parish of Haylesham which is called La Brok; which land extends 
from the North from Meystreshecch by the royal highway to Pludygate 
and its boundary passes from Pludygate between the Merslonde and 
the Marledelonde to the house of Walter atte Walle beine inclosed 
by the ditch, and from the said place to the house of Wuliam atte 
Walle being bounded by the road, and from the house of the same 
William to the watercourse called Heldhevene and by the said course 
on the South to the house of Richard le Coper passinc^ round the land 
of William le Lim^he and from the house of Eichard le Coper to the 
bridge called Berebre^ge, and from the said bridge to the land of 
Symon de la Hothe being bounded by the watercourse, and from the 
land of the said Simon to the street which leads from Berebruchestruche 
towards the Maystreheche as the boundary runs between the land of 
the said Simon and the land of Walter de Mereshale, and so by the 
said street to Maystreshecch from the West. 

Moreover, whoever is vicar there shall maintain at his own costs a 
second priest skilled in singing and reading to assist him in the service 
of the said church and in his parish work. Also, the same vicar shall 
provide wax for lights round the great altar : also wine and bread 
sufficient on Easte^lay : also wine and bread for Celebrations in the 
said church throughout the year ; also incense for censing. 



102 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

The Abbot and convent of Begham shall keep up the granges and 
other buildings of the rectory in a decent state at their own expense. 
And they shall cause the greater tithes issuing from the aforesaid 
demesne lands of the rectory to be stored in the same granges, and no 
where else, and to be thrashed there, under penalty of the ^"^ greater 
excommunication loss of the same benefice, if they in any way act 
otherwise. And the same monks shall also at their own cost repair 
the chancel of the aforesaid church of Haylesham as often as it snail 
so require, and if it be entirely fallen down ahall rebuild it. The monks 
shall also provide in the same church books and fitting ornaments as 
often as there shall be occasion ; and the vicar shall carefully keep the 
same under suf&cient protection at his own risk, except in the case of 
accidents to which the vicar's negligence is not contributory, and shall 
undertake at his own cost small repairs of the books and ornaments, 
that is to say, the binding and covering of the books and washing and 
mending of torn vestments. 

The vicar also shall provide rushes in summer, and the monks straw 
in winter for the said church and its chancel. Further the vicar shall 
support all the ordinary expenses of the church as regards the episcopal 
and archidiaconal rights in the same. But the monks shall be entirely 
responsible for the extraordinary expenses of the same church of 
Haylesham as far as they affect the rectory, and shall render obedience 
to the ordinaries for the said chapel of Haylesham as they have been 
accustomed to do for their church of Hellyngeleye. And when the 
vicarage is vacant the Abbot and Convent of Begham shall present to 
the Bishop of Chichester or to whomsoever presentations in that diocese 
ought to be made, some fit person as vicar. 

And all previous suits are annulled. 

Given at Tenham on the morrow of S^ Mark the Evangelist 1296. 

The land here assigned to the vicarage evidently lay 
between the Sayerland road and the point where the 
road to Otham leaves the Glenleigh road, Bere bridge 
being on the first-named road and the Marledelonde 
being round Marland bridge. Possibly this is the four 
acres mentioned as being held by Haylesham church in 
Moorbrook Quarter, though it is in reality considerably 
more than four acres. The special injunction about the 
storing of the tithes was, no doubt, to prevent the abbey 
from treating this benefice as so many monastic posses- 
sions were treated, merely as a source of income to be 
visited at certain seasons to collect the tithes, which would 
then be taken away to the monastery and the parish left 

"7 These words are croseed out ; the religious penalty of excommunication was 
80 often invoked for trivial secular offences that apparently the scribe in this case 
wrote the words automatically and then discovered his mistake. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 103 

alone till next collection, whereas if the tithes had to be 
stored in the parish the bams and granges would have to 
be kept up, men of the neighbourhood would have to be 
employed in storing and thrashing, and in fact the curse 
of absenteeism would be lessened. As regards the pro- 
vision of rushes and straw for the floor of the church, 
{>robably at this time, as it was more than 400 years 
ater, of damp earth, the Rev. G. M. Cooper in his 
^"article on Bay ham mentions that the strewing of the 
churches grew mto a religious festival, still (in 1857 and 
possibly yet) kept up in the North of England as ^* The 
Rush-bearing," and that till the middle of this century 
the Town Clerk of Norwich paid the subsacrist of the 
cathedral a guinea yearly for strewing the floor of the 
cathedral with rushes on the Mayor's Day. 

From what we have seen it is evident that the question 
of the origin of Hailsham Church was a very difficult 
one, but that evidence, unfortunately not now available, 
convinced the Archbishop that it was an offshoot of 
Hellingly Church, though the Bishop of Chichester held 
that it was itself a parish church. Now, Hellingly Church 
was probably founded about 1190, for amongst the deeds 
enrolled in the ^^® Bay ham Chartulary is the following: 
" I Nicholas de Brade, eldest son of Ralph, when Bishop 
Sefliid II. consecrated the church of Helling endowed it 
with 12 denariates of land of my freehold which William 
de Meriefeld holds, because there was not any one else 
who would endow it and the bishop earnestly sought for 
an endowment for the church lest so excellent a work 
should be in any way hindered." There is a further gift 
by Richard de Helling ^Ho the church of the Holy 
Apostles Peter and Paul of Hellingel of a croft near the 
church ; and I have given six perches of my moor to 
enlarge the court of the said church." Then Rikeward 
Brade gives to the monastery of Otteham ^^half of the 
church of Helling : for the soul of my father Rikeward 
de HeUing." And finally, '^We Seflfrid Bishop of 
Chichester on the presentation of Rikeward and Randulf 

^ " S.A.C.," Vol. IX. "» Add. MS8., 6,037. 



104 HI8T0EY OF HAlLSHAM. 

Brade of Hellinff have admitted the abbot and canons of 
Otteham to the church of Helling and have inducted them 
in the same, wherefore we will that they hold in perpetuity 
the fruits of the same church, saving a reasonable vicarage 
by which the chaplain who shall minister there by the 

Sresentation of the abbot may live decently." Now, 
efiPrid II. was bishop from 1180 to 1204; the canons 
of Otteham must therefore have been in possession of 
Hellingly Church before the latter date and probably 
obtained it about 1200. Had Hailsham Church been 
built after this the monks would certainly never have let 
it be alienated from them. Possibly what occurred was 
this : Soon after the founding of Hellingly Church, say 
1190, a small temporary church was erected at Hailsham 
and one of the Eiellingly priests came over occasionally 
to hold a service ; then some local noble built a regular 
stone church in which the same priest continued to 
oflBciate, possibly at first still residing in Hellingly till 
the church was endowed and a house built, when he 
became the first rector; time passed, the church was 
given to Michelham priory and held by them for fifty 
years, till an abbot of Bayham happened to find a record 
of how Hailsham Church originated, and started the 
contest which ended as we have seen. This of course is 
merely conjecture, but at least affords a possible sugges- 
tion of the truth as regards our church. 

From the "® survey of Otham made when Bayham 
Abbey was suppressed in 1526 it would appear that 
there was some sort of compromise effected between the 
abbey and the priory of Michelham when this case was 
concluded, as there is a note at the end of the survey of 
a yearly payment of £16. 13s. 4d. from the Manor of 
Otham to the Prior of Michelham, ^^in discharge of his 
rights in the Church of Haylesham and for certain other 
causes and considerations as appears by a deed in the hands 
of the said prior." But in the ^^ Taxatio Ecclesiastica" 
of 1291, five years before the Archbishop's award, the 
Prior of Michelham is entered as receivmg ^^from the 

iw Exch. Tr. of Receipt, Misc. Books, A A- 



HISTORY OP HA1L8HAM. 105 

monks of Bekham £16. 13. 4." That this sum was the 
rent of the manor of Otham is evident from a ^®4etter of 
the Prior of Michelham in 1535, wherein he states that 
his house had been seised of that manor for more than 
200 years, receiving therefor an annual rent of 26 marks. 
Possibly some agreement had been arrived at between 
1287 and 1291 by the Abbot and Prior, by which the 
latter received the manor of Otham, agreeing, however, 
to allow the abbey to rent it at 25 marks, in return for 
surrendering the church, or at least his rights in it, 
leaving the Abbot to fight it out with the Rector. 

"*In 1291 the ^^ church of Alisham" was valued at 
£26. 13s. 4d. In the Nonae survey of the parish of 
Haylesham, taken in 1341, the jurors state ^^ that the 
ninths of the sheaves &c cannot be made up to the 
assessment of the aforesaid church, which is assessed with 
the vicarage at 52 marcs, because the rector holds a 
messuage and land worth per annum 40" from which the 
said church is endowed : also the vicar has the oflferings 
of hay and hemp and the other small tithes, which are 
worth per annum £6. 6. 8." The division of the 52 
marcs between the church and the vicarage is shown by 
a ^"•Clerical Subsidy of the time of Henry VII., wherein 
" the Church of Haylesham is rated at 40 marcs and the 
vicarage of the same is rated at 12 marcs." By 1513 
the church had fallen upon bad days, as in that year for 
the first time it appears in the long "*list of *^ Priories 
and churches impoverished by damage to their lands 
and possessions by inundation, fire, &c.," and therefore 
unable to contribute to subsidies. Finally, in the Valor, 
1537, Hay ly sham Vicarage is returned at £16. 6s. 8d. 

The Chichester Registers record that in 1441 "^^^ The 
bishop held a visitation of part of the Deanery of 
Pevensey in the church of Marsefield the 27"" Sept. and 
of the other part in the parish church of Aylesham the 
last day of September," With this exception there is no 
reference to the church — apart from the rectory — till the 

^ " Letters and Papers of Henry VIH." i" aer. Subs., ^. 

^ ** Taxatio Ecclesiastica." ^ Storej Register. 

"» Praty Register. 



106 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

first year of Elizabeth, when the following appears on 
the minutes of the Privy Council : 

*"At Westminster 29*^ March 1559. 
A letter to Thomas Bushopp and John Thatcher Justyces of Pease 
in Sussex, aunswerjnge a letter of theirs unto Sir Bichard Sackeyyle 
knight, wherein they are wylled for the better punisshement of an 
heynous dissorder lately committed by the inhabitaunts of the towne 
of Halislesham, of the said county, in spoyUng the parishe churche 
there, to call for thassistence of Sir Nicholas Pelham and Sir Edward 
Gage and other Justices dwelling nighe unto them, and having founde 
oute who were thauctors and ringeleaders of that matter to oommitt 
them to warde, and to putt them to suche fynes for their offences as 
by their discretions shalbe thought most mete and agreable to the 
lawes. 

No details of the offence or its punishment are forth- 
coming, and I have already commented on the circum- 
stances that led up to it in a previous chapter. It is no 
doubt to this event that we owe the bullet marks on the 
tower — if indeed Geering was correct in believing the 
cup-like depressions in the stonework and the cracked 
flints on the southern face of the tower to be marks of 
bullets — as well as certain damage to the interior, which 
will be mentioned in the description of the architectural 
features. 

Some information about the condition of the church 
in 1686 and 1724 may be gathered from the returns of the 
"^visitations of the churches in the diocese of Chichester 
for those dates. The first is quite a short note : *^ Hail- 
sham : The roofe of the church wants a little mending in 
some places and the floore in some places wants paveing. 
The Fence ab* y*" Churchyard in some places wants 
repairing. No Patine, No booke of homilies, no table of 
Degrees, no book of Articles. The Register is kept by 
y* Vicar. No poor box." At the side is a note showing 
that some of these defects had been remedied : " y*" 
Bookes provided, y* Reg' books kept as y*" Canon directs." 
The return of 1724 enters into details: 

Halisham commonly called Haylsham, a Vicarage. 
The Key M' Thomas Hooper of Beckley Patron who is also Incumbent 
was of University College Oxon. A. M. Institut. 1701. 

"« Acts of the PriTy Council, New Seriee, Vol. 7. 

w Penes, Messrs. Hunt, Currey & Nicholson, at Lewes. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 107 

The Church in very good Repair only the Bottoms of the seats want 
planking haying nothing but very damp Earth ; a good Bible, Common 
l^rayer Book and a Pewter Flaggon, a silver cup, a chest, five large 
Bells; there are several gardens taken out of the Churchyard and 
several fagotts Stocks in it which increase yearly to a great Incon- 
venience. 

The Chancell in good Bepair except the Windows, the repairs 
belong to Sir Bobert Fagg. 

A good Vicarage house with a Bam and Stable. 

Fifty two families (in the parish). Two Anabaptists and six or 
seven Presbyterians. 

No Benefaccons or Gifts to the Church. No Augmentation to the 
Living. 

Value in the King's Books £16. 6. 8. 

Divine Service and a Sermon twice every Lords Day supplied by 
M' John Cittizen Curate. 

The Sacrament administered four times a year, about fourty com- 
mimicants. 

No Glebe. 

The silver cup, chest and bells are still in possession of 
the church. As regards the Anabaptists, on the fly-leaf 
of the second register book is an entry of the ^'Children 
bom to the Anabaptists in this Parish and others not 
baptized." It covers from 1696 to 1702 and mentions 
seven children ; the parents were : Thomas and EUenor 
Burgess (3), Thomas and Martha French, William and 
Mary Colbrand (2), Edmund Edes. Although there was 
no glebe at this time tliere had been previous to the time 
of the Commonwealth, as appears from the following 
survey, dated September the hrst, 1635 : 

"^A Terrier of the Glebeland belonging to y® vicaridge of Hailsham 
taken by William Osborne vicar of Hailsham, Robert Deeplacke and 
John Umfrey churchwardens and John Bathee and John Browning 
Sidemen : M' Stephen French, Eichard May, Eichard Baker and 
others. There is belonging to y* said vicaridge one Dwelling house 
and one Barne and about halfe an acre of land by estimation all w^ 
land Abutteth and boundeth in manner and forme following : Imprimis 
upon y* Church yard upon y* South and Southwest, upon a field called 
y^ Parsonage field upon y^ West and the Northwest upon the Kings 
highway leading from y* Common of Hailsham into y* Marsh upon y* 
North and North-East : and upon y* Kings highway leading from 
Hesmunseux into Hailsham towne upon the £ast and South-East. 

^^ For a transcript of this terrier I am indebted to W. DunMu, Esq. 



108 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

The entries relating to the church in the parish accounts 
are very few ; the first is simply two payments in 1753 
to William Mils ^^for Diching the Church yard," and 
" for cleaning the paving in the Churchyard and Clearing 
it a way ; " the last part is presumably not to be taken 
literally. In 1762 we have the large sum of £1. 6s. 6d. 
*^ paid for peoples Learning to Sing in the Church ;" the 
employment of a paid choir-master at this date must be 
rather uncommon, I should imagine, and it would have 
been interesting to have had some details as to who tauffht 
them and the reason, or at least the originator, of this 
artistic movement. At a meeting of the vestry in May, 
1804, it was ^^ resolved that a Brick Sewer is to be laid 
in order to lay the church dry. Also agreed to repair 
the South side of the church and put a skylight over the 
Gallery, also to repair the pavement from the Great 
Door to the gate of the Vicarage House including the 
Footway to the Vestry door. It appears necessary at 
this meeting to erect a Gallery at the West End of the 
Church ; the materials of the Singing seats to be made 
use of. To defray the above expenses a church rate of 
V in the pound to be levied." One rather wonders whether 
the " singing seats " were old carved stalls, it would so 
exactly have accorded with the taste of that age to have 
used such material for a gallery, or whether possibly they 
were put in at the time of the musical enthusiasm in 1763. 
At this same meeting Charles Elphick was appointed 
sexton, and a list of the sexton's fees is given : ^^ Tolling 
Bell for funerals V per hour, Digging Grave 3', Laying 
the Turf and raising it P, for Sweeping the Ailes and 
cleaning the open spaces in the Church and likewise 
Chyming the Bells 50" per annum." Finally, in 1836, it 
was '* resolved that the church be repaired forthwith," 
but what repairs were required is not stated. 

Before proceeding to describe the church architec- 
turally we will trace the descent of the rectory and 
advowson. From 1296 to 1526 the rectory remained in 
the hands of Bay ham Abbey, but in 1465 "® Thomas, 

"» ClauB. 5« Edw. IV., m. 17. 



HISTORT OF HAILSHAM. 109 

abbot of Begham, in discharge of a debt of £500 owed 
to Thomas Bryan, serjeant-at-law (probably incurred 
through a law suit with Michelham priory, to which 
reference will be made later), agrees to pay down £200 
at the Feast of the Annunciation following and to lease 
to the said Thomas Bryan for 31 years the Rectory of 
Haylesham with all tithes, issues ana other appurtenancep. 
In 1625 Cardinal Wolsey obtained the licence of the 
Pope and King Henry VIII. to suppress several small 
religious houses, including the two Sussex Monasteries of 
Calceto (in West Sussex) and Bayham, in order to found 
a college in the University of Oxford, called at first 
Cardinal's College, but now Christ Church. Accordingly 
in May of the following year the Cardinal was granted 
a "® mortmain licence to appropriate the rectory of 
Haylesham to his college ; and in the following January 
a presentation was made to the vicarage of Hailsham by 
^^" the venerable Master John Higden D.D. Dean of the 
College of Thomas Cardinal of York in the University 
of Oxford and the Canons of the same College." On 
the Cardinal's attainder in 1530 the rectory seems to 
have been taken from the college, as in one of the 
^''^ books of the Augmentation Office apparently of this 
date the ^^ Lease of the Rectory of Hayllesham with 
appurtenances, £13. 6. 8," is ^'assigned to the College 
01 Wyndesor." 

After this short connection with these two great 
scholastic foundations the rectory passed into private 
hands, Henry VIH. granting in 1531 to *''' James Gage, 
Esq., for £556. 7s. 5^d. the Rectory of Haylisham with 
all appurtenances, and the reversion thereof, and the 
advowson of the parish church and certain rents lately 
belonging to the monastery of Beghame in Haileshara. 
A case on the Memoranda Rolls of 1560 gives some 
details of the land thus held by James Gage as belong- 
ing to the rectory : 

w " Letters and Papers of Henry Vm." 

in Shirbnm Begister. 

iT> Ang. Off., Miec. Books, 117. 

w Orig. 35« Henry VIII., p. 5, and Mem. S^ Eliz., Trin., m. 12. 



no HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

^^^In 4 and 5 Philip and Mary tlie slieriff of Sussex had been com- 
manded to distrain on the lands of James G-aee Esq. that he should 
do fealty to the King and Queen for the tithes of the Bectory of 
Aylesham, and a manse there called the parsonage house, and a parcel 
of land on which the tithe bam of tne said rectory lately stood 
containing 3 acres, and another parcel of land called le Gkmrett 
belonging to the rectory containing 7 acres, and a marsh called 
Harwardes marshe containing 10 acres, and another marsh called the 
Est marshe containing 50 acres with all appurtenances of the rectory 
late in tenure of Thomas Joyner and held in chief of the King and 
Queen, of which James is seised in fee. And John Asshebumham 
Esq late sheriff said that James Gage had no property in the same 
land on which a distraint could be leyied ; so the sheriff was ordered 
to distrain the tenants of the said rectoiy. Accordingly Thomas 
Deringe gentleman was distrained this 3'^'' year of Elizabeth to pay 
homage to the Queen and to show by what title he holds the same 
rectory. And he says that James Gage of Framfield Esq. being seised 
in fee of the tithes &c of the church of Elysham did by indenture of 
14 February 2 and 3 Philip and Mary bargain and sell to the said 
Thomas Deringe of Lysse of Southants gentleman all the tithes and 
other premises except 10 acres of the marsh called Est marshe which 
10 acres lie at '4e entre " into the said marsh and are adjacent to the 
marsh called Hemestales on the West and the ditch and road leading 
from Aylysham to Hurstmounceaux on the East, and excepting the 
advowson of the parish church of Aylysham: which indenture was 
ratified afterwards by 'a grant of letters patent 3"* Elizabeth for £9. 15 
paid into the hanaper. 

The Memoranda, again, of 1576, afford some more 
information about the land, belonging to the rectory; 
Thomas Foster being summoned to show by what title 
he holds 36 acres, parcel of the rectory of Haylesham. 
In the following entry the first two parcels do not belong 
to the rectory, apparently, — ^at least, the remainder adds 
up to 36 acres without them : 

"*By an indenture of 12 June H'^^Eliz. John Gkge of Framfield 
and Urith his wife sold to John Sey of Herstmounceux husbandman ; 
a parcel of marsh containing 11 acres in Pevensey and Haylesham 
adjoining the lane from Herstmounceux to Horsey E., the land of 
Thomas £)eyenes gent. S., the land of Bobert Whitefeild W., and the 
watercourse called Wholepole N.; a second parcel, part of Telmershe 
containing 23 acres in Haylesham adjoining a certain Wable way from 
Haylesham to Herstmounceux S., John Gtige's land called Telemershe 
N.W., and a watercourse running from Amberstone to Bickney bridge 
N.E.; a third parcel, part of Gh^vefeild containing 16 acres adjoin- 
ing a certain ^^^Whaple way from the market of Haylesham to 

»« Mem. 3« Eliz., Trin., m. 20. ^^ Mem. 19o Eliz., Mich., 76. 

if> Whapple-way=:A bridle path through fields. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. Ill ' 

Herstmounceux S., Lord Dacre's land called Sixeacres and land called 
Burtons Grove W., the land of the heirs of John Twitte and the land 
of Nicholas Foster N., and the said Nicholas's land called the louge 
hedge E.; a fourth parcel, a croft called Knightes Crofte containing 
1-^ acre adjoining the said Whaple way from the market S., the longe 
hedge W. and N. and Nicholas Foster's land called Perifeilds E.; a 
fifth parcel, part of the land called Buddes G^ove containing 2^ acres 
adjoining the said Whaple way N., and the land of the most noble 
Lord Dacres called Greseland W., and the land of William Edwardes 
called the Stockes and the lands of Alexander Foster called the 
Bamsbye S., and the land of Nicholas Foster called Upperfiye Roden 
E., and a coppice of the same Nicholas called Buddes Grove lies in the 
middle of the said 2^ acres : a sixth parcel, part of the lands called 
the Peake containing 4 acres adjoining the said Whaple Way S., the 
lands of Nicholas Foster called the little peake E., the land of Lord 
Dacres called the netherlady marshe N., and the land of Nicholas 
Foster called Deanes W.; a seventh parcel, 2 acres of marsh in 
Whelpole Level adjoining the land of Lord Dacres called the Upper- 
lady mershe E., the land of Thomas Baker N., the land of John 
Avemell W. and the land of Nicholas Foster called Brode Crofte S.; 
an ei^th parcel, 7 acres of pasture called Whelple adjoining the road 
from Horebuttinges grene to Lombardes Halle N., and another road 
from Whelple marsh to ^^Mistly feild corner E., the lands of Nicholas 
Foster called Folmerlands S., and the lands of John Spinner W.; and 
a ninth parcel, another croft called Whelpole with a watercourse 
running through the middle adjoining the Wyshe of Nicholas Foster 
8., the land of the same Nicholas called Felmerland E., the land of 
Bobert Twitt called Whelers W., and a coppice adjacent to a piece of 
John Spinner's land N. 

And in 18^ Eliz. Thomas Foster bought all the above from John 
Saye for £40. 

"^Burrell mentions that Edward Gage of Bentley held 
the rectory and advowson of Hailsham in 1572 ; and that 
he still held it 1582 is evident from his "'presenting 
Reginald Bursey to the vicarage that year. But from a 
return made probably about 1600 we find that at that 
time James Thatcher, Esq., was patron of the living. 
The advowson had by this time become separated from 
the rectory, possibly when forfeited by Edward Gage 
for his recusancy, and the latter was in 1611 in the hands 
of John Page, as appears from the following notice : 

^A Fine had been levied in the King's Bench by which Bamaby 
Ho^^son sought leave to compound with John Page for the rectory 
of Maylesham : and as the alienation of the rectory was made without 

in i,e., Thistle-fleld. ^^ GrindaU Register. 

»» Add. M8S., 5,681. »> Mem. ll* Jae. 1., Easter, 22. 



112 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

the king's licence, tliougli it is held of the king in chief, Bamaby 
Hodgson is summoned to show cause why the rectory shoiild not be 
seized into the king's hands. Accordingly Bamaby Hodgeson and 
Ooldsmyth Hodgeson his son and heir apparent come and say that : 
on 2"^ Sept. 9** Jas. I John Page obtained letters patent to the effect 
that of his especial grace and tor 100* the king allowed John Page to 
alienate the rectory of Aylisham to the said Bamaby. ^y virtue of 
which John Page of Eckington alias Eipe and Dorothy his wife and 
HabeU his son did by indenture of 9 Nov. 9 Jas. alienate to Bamaby 
Hodgeson of Framfield gent, and Goldsmyth his son the rectoiy of 
Haylsham with all the tithes and issues thereof and a parcel of land 
containing 4 acres more or less, another parcell called le GFarrett 
containing about 7 acres, a parcel of marsh containing about 10 acres 
called Harwoods marsh and another called litle Eastmarshe containing 
about 1 2 acres and a parcel formerly part of Eastmarsh containing about 
30 acres : and to secure this conveyance the above-mentioned fine was 
levied. 

^®^ Goldsmith Hodgson, gent, died in May, 1638, seised 
of the rectory of Haylsham holden in chief of the King 
by a hundredth part of a knight's fee. 

The advowson was in the hands of the Earls of Dorset 
in 1625 and 1660, as is shown by the presentations for 
those years. But in 1701 the vicar, Thomas Hooper, 
was also patron ; the rectory, according to the return of 
1724 given above, was in the hands of Sir Robert Fagg, 
as appears from his being responsible for the repairs of 
the chancel. The patronage remained in the Hooper 
family till 1805, and the rectory appears also to have 
been acquired by them, as Elizabeth Hooper, who died 
in 1810, left the great tithes to John Luxford, Esq., of 
Robertsbridge, in whose family the rectory still is. By 
the ^® Tithe Commutation award of March, 1842, Rev. 
George Curteis Luxford, impropriator of the great tithes, 
and his heirs to be paid £420 per annum in lieu of the 
great tithes; Rev. George Pocock, patron and vicar, to 
be paid £599 in lieu of all tithes of hay and vicarial 
tithes other than the tithes of hops, 10s. per imperial acre 
or portion of an acre to be paid to the vicar for all hop 
grounds. In 1846 Thomas Sheppard, Esq., of Folkington, 
purchased the advowson, and it is at present in the hands 

^ Add. MSS., 5,681. 

>M A copy of the award, with the tithe map, is kept at Meesrs. Burtenshaw^s 
Office, Hailflham. 




GROUND PLAN OF HAILSHAM CHURCH. 



SeCTionS OF 

CAPITAL & HASt 

OF BELFBY AnCrt. 



f 




SECTION OF CHAHCEL AOQF. 



i 



HAILSHAM CHURCH.- ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 113 

of his trustees. The present gross value is £434, the 
actual nett amount received by the vicar being only £31. 

We now turn to the architectural features of the church. 
We have seen that, probablv as early as 1200, a church 
was erected here; but of tnis structure there are now 
no remains, excepting a double capital of the "Early 
English " period dug up during a recent restoration and 
now preserved in the Lady Chapel. The present building 
is entirely in the "Perpendicular" style and dates, in 
my opinion, from about 1425, or even later. The church 
is dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, and this appears to 
have been the original dedication, as Robert Willard in 
his will dated 1528 desires to be buried "in the church- 
yard of our Lady in Halsam." It consists of a nave 
with north and south aisles, a western tower, a chancel 
flanked by north and. south chapels, and a modem south 
porch. 

Commencing at the west: The tower is square and 
well-proportioned, some 70 feet in height, built of blocks 
of sandstone, alternating with squares of knapped flints, 
with prominent buttresses at the angles, and finished off 
with battlements and four crocketed ^'^ pinnacles, a low 
pyramidal roof of red tiles rising in the centre, sur- 
mounted by a ^®* weather-vane. At the south-east angle 
the octagonal stair-turret projects, giving the tower — 
which is visible for a long distance round owing to its 
situation on the top of a slight hill, about 100 feet above 
sea level — ^f rom some aspects a curiously lop-sided appear- 
ance. The first storey — the clock-room — is lighted by 
three small single-light windows; the second storey — 
the bell-room — has four two-light windows divided by 
transoms. The ground floor forms the belfry; on the 
west is a door, surmounted by a large window, which I 
am told is a copy of the original ; the door and window 

"" " In 1756 the Rev. N. Toniano, M.D., preached a sermon at Hooe and 
Ninfleld on a fast day after the earthquake of Lisbon, in which he stated that 
' The spire of Helsham steeple ' had lately been struck down by lightning. It 
was really the north-west pinnacle that was struck."— Lower's "History of 
Sussex." 

^ The vane bears the date 1801 and initials of W. H(ilder) and W. K(ing), 
then churchwardens. 



114 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

are enclosed under a setni-circular arch. In the centre 
of the belfry is the font, consisting of a plain octagonal 
basin supported by a pedestal with simple perpendicular 
pannelling. In the south-east angle is the small door- 
way, of red sandstone, into the stair-turret. On the 
east the belfry opens into the nave through a very fine 
arch, the best architectural feature of the church; this 
arch was bricked up — the stone of the pillars being in 
many places cut to admit the bricks — tJl 1889, when, 
amongst other restorations, it was opened up, to the great 
improvement of the church. The pillars, of red sand- 
stone, are circidar, about a third of their surface being 
in contact with the wall, with pedestal bases about four 
feet in height (of which a section is given in the Plate, 
as also of the capitals). The mouldings of the arch — 
the apex of which is within about eight feet of the roof — 
though more elaborate than in the nave arches, are simple 
but effective (a section is given). 

The nave is divided from the aisles by iour arches 
springing from octagonal columns of greystone, with 
plain bases and feeble shallow capitals (for sections of arch 
moulding, capitals and bases, see Plate). The roof of 
the nave had been lowered six feet some time before the 
end of the eighteenth century ; in 1889 it was raised to 
its former height, as shown by the ridge mark on the 
tower, small cinquefoil clerestory windows being inserted, 
which has made a considerable improvement in the 
appearance of the church, especially of the exterior. 
^®*^In the view of Hailsham Church, drawn by Grimm in 
1784, the roof is shown at the lower level and extends 
right down over the south aisle — ^it extended similarly on 
the other side over the north aisle. This south aisle was 
a wretched erection of brick and stucco in the pseudo- 
classical style — "rather late and very debased" — with 
square wood-cased windows and mean little porch ; it was 
removed in 1870, when the present aisle and porch were 
built, and even the most zealous antiquary will hardly 
regret its destruction, for although the prevalent tendency 

"» Add. MSS., 5,676, f. 65. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 115 

to replace work of the post-Gothic period, good in itself 
and as historically valuable as any " Saxon^' or Norman 
work, by modem shams is to be deplored, the preserva- 
tion of mtrinsically bad work merely because it exists is 
absurd. The present building cannot be called successful ; 
it is of greystone in sawn blocks, quite unlike the rest of 
the church, and the porch is rather heavy, with a clumsy 
canopied niche over the door — empty, and never intended 
to contain anything. The north aisle, restored about 
1880, is of broken sandstone, the lower part being original 
work, and the stone parapet corresponding to the south 
aisle replacing the former sloping roof. Each aisle is 
lighted by three modem windows of three lights. 

Originally the chancel arch was of the same height as 
the nave arches, as in the case of Hellingly Church, but 
the step between the nave and chancel having been 
removed, so that the floors of the two are now on a level, 
it is now some eight inches higher than the other arches 
and appears paltry in consequence. The east window is 
of four lights with simple Perpendicular tracery ; at the 
east of the south wall is another window of later date. 
There is a small plain trefoil-headed piscina in the south 
wall and adjoining it the sedilia, at present merely a 
broad recess under a flat arch, resembling rather an altar 
tomb ; but a mark in the centre of the wall at the back 
— more obvious before the painting in 1894 — seems to 
indicate that it was originally divided into two seats by 
a Y-shaped partition. The roof of the chancel, and also 
of the nave, is of open timber work of the fifteenth 
century. I have given, in the plate of architectural 
details, a section taken through the beam which crosses 
the chancel almost directly above the present altar rails ; 
two slender round uprignts will be noticed above the 
king-post, between these the Sanctus bell is believed to 
have nung ; this beam is supported by brackets (modern), 
the southern of which rests upon a corbel stone — the 
corresponding stone on the north was apparently removed 
to make room for a memorial tablet — this stone is very 
rough and battered and appears to me to have been 
deliberately broken; as moreover there are two small 

I 2 



116 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

stones inserted at its base I am inclined to believe that it 
was originally carved into the shape either of an angel 
or possibly the crest of some local family or other device, 
and that it was broken in the riot of 1559. There is 
another similar stone above the east window also bearing 
marks of assault, but whether it supported another bracket 
to the roof, or what its use was is not clear. 

On either side of the chancel is a chapel ; that on the 
north is now the vestry. It was entirely rebuilt in 1876; 
previous to this it had been for some time used as a 
school, for which purpose it had been lengthened and the 
arches leading into the chancel and north aisle blocked 
up; on the chancel side of the blocked arch formerly 
hung two paintings, "Moses" and "Aaron," botn 
executed with moderate skill, especially the " Moses." 
When the arch was re-opened they were allowed to be 
removed by the carpenter employed on the restoration, 
and were bought from him by Mr. William Strickland, 
in whose hands they now are. They are painted on 
pannelled oak and appear to me to be about 150 years 
old, but their present owner assigns them a considerably 
greater antiqmty. In the south wall of the vestry is a 
piscina similar to that in the chancel. 

Corresponding to the vestry on the south is the Lady 
Chapel ; this was also rebuilt on the old foundations about 
1878. It is lighted by a window at the east and another 
in the south wall, adjoining which is a small door; it 
opens into the chancel on the north and, by a flat arch, 
into the south aisle on the west. There is a third piscina 
in the south wall of this chapel, and in a niche above it 
is the double capital, carved with "Early English" 
foliage, already mentioned as the only remains of the 
original church. 

Of old stained glass the only remains are a few frag- 
ments, dating from the fifteenth century, now preserved 
in a window in the north aisle. The east window, a 
geometrical design in pale colours, was erected " To the 
Glory of God and to the Memory of a beloved Mother 
by E\rederick) S(herwood) 1877." And the easternmost 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 117 

bay of the north aisle was filled with a design represent- 
ing Faith, Hope and Charity, ** To the Glory of God 
and in loving Memory of Eliza Sarah wife of Frederick 
Sherwood of Ersham Lodge a.d. 1885." The south 
window of the chancel is '^In Memory of Charles Fletcher 
— Henry Offley — and Thomas Willoughby Harvey whose 
bodies are interred outside the East end of this (5hurch." 
And the east window of the Lady Chapel, with scenes 
fi'om the life of Jacob, *^ In Memory of George Gayton 
Harvey, Vicar of Hailsham 1846-1872 Who died April 
29 1875." 

The following are the memorial inscriptions within the 
church : 

On south side of the east window, on an oval of black 
marble within a frame of white, surmounted by a coat of 
arms : — Quarterly : 1 and 4, Hooper = Quarterly erm. and 
or a tower sa. 2, Lloyd =sa. within a bordure wavy a 
lion rampant or. 3, Odiame=6*a. a chevron between 3 
covered cups or. 

Sacred j to the Memory of | Odiame Hooper M.A. | who remains 
are deposited | with his Family | in the Church of Beckley in this | 
County. I He was for upwards of "*46 Years | a faithful and truly 
Pastoral | Vicar of this Parish | and | died August the 2"* 1769 | in 
the 69^ Year of his | Age. 

On the north side of the window, on a similar tablet, 
with the addition of a square of white marble below : 

Sacred | to the Memory of | Elizabeth Hooper I who resided the 
whole of her Life | in the Vicarage House | in this Parish | and | who 
died Nov' y« 8*** 1810. | Her remains are deposited | with her family in 
the Chancel | at Beckley. | Aged 84. 

She left by her Will | respectively to the parishes of | Hailsham and 
Beckley | 300£ old South Sea Annuities | directing the Dividends to 
be given | to the Poor | at the discretion of each T Incumbent. | She 
also left 300£ five p' Cents | Bank Annuities | To the Yicar and 
Churchwardens of J tnis Parish. | The Dividend to be applied for 
ever I towards the Support of the Charity School | established here in 
the Year n\2?^ 

On the north wall of the chancel, on a slab of grey 
marble, surmounted by a coat of arms : Gu, a chevron 
between 3 lions rampant or ; crest, a lion rampant or, 

"8 This should read ** 16 years." w Probably a mistake for 1802. 



118 HISTORY OF ttAlLSttAM. 

Sacred I to the Memory of | the Eev* Tho* Hubersty | late Curate 
of this I Church | whose Kemains are deposited | under a stone near 
this place. | He departed this Life | suddenly, the 31*^ of October | 
1793 I in the 26'*» Year of his | Age. 

On the south wall of the chancel, a white marble tablet, 
with inscription in "Q-othic" lettering and coat of arms, 
a chevron between three fish-weels : 

The Family of Willard, for a long period Lords of the Manor 
of Ersham, were resident in this Jrarish in the reign of King 
Edward III a.d. 1341 ; when William Wyllard and John Wyllard 
contributed towards the Nonae Tax. Amongst many 
subsequent members of the Family buried here were Christopher 
Willard who died about 1500, Eobert Willard 1528, Nicholas Willard 

1543, 
William Willard 1595 &c. L* Colonel John Harry Willard 
of Eastbourne erected this Tablet to the Memory of his 
Ancestors, 25^^ December mdcccxxxix. 

Over the door in the Lady Chapel, on a tablet of white 

marble, framed with fluted columns, cherubs, &c., of grey 

marble : 

Under a Stone near this | Place Lieth Interred the | Body of 
Anthony | Tnmible Otent: who | Departed this Life y* !■* | of 
September 1733 | Aged 63 Years. 

On north wall of south aisle, at east end, on oval of 

black marble, surmounted by a white marble urn : 

In I Memory of | Lieu' Thomas Bonell Webb | late of H.M. 39* 
Eeffiment | who died the 7* Febr^ 1805. | Aged 26 Years. | He was 
I A Friend without Ouile | A soldier without Yice | a Christian 
without Bigotry. 

On the south wall of the nave, at east end, a black 
marble tablet : 

On the North Side of J this Church Yard rest the Eemains | of Mary 
Maxey | Helict of John Maxey | an eminent Attorney | of Wallingford 
Berks I and Mother of Martha Cannon | wife to Edward Cannon | 
formerly Surgeon | at Hailsham | She died August 11^ 1772 | Aged 
63 Years. 

On a white marble tablet on north wall of north aisle, 
at east end : 

Near This Place | Lie the Eemains of Ann J Wife of M' John 
Bristow I and only surviving Child | of M' John Miller J each of this 
Parish I She died on the 29'»» of April 1800 | In the 76^ Year of her 
Age. I "The Memory of the Just is blessed." 

M' John Bristow | died Oct' n*** 1803 Aged 81 Years. 




Photograph by E. I. Baker. 

HAILSHAM CHURCH. -NORTH AISLE. 






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< ii! ivril.-N.TJII .AISI.K. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 119 

Below this, a brass tablet with crest, a lamb passant 
holding in dexter hoof a banner charged with a cross, 
surrounded by the motto ^^ Onward Upward" : 

To theOloiy of Ood J and To the Memory of | Frederic Sherwood | 
Bom 23 Mar. 1817 Died 9 Nov 1898. | and of | Medora Sophia | sister 
of the above Bom 5 Oct 1819 Died 26 Feb. 1885 | Who lived for 
many years at Ersham Lodge in this Parish | and are interred in the 
I Cemetery Dorking Surrey. | ''The Master is come and calleth for 
thee." 

Further west, between the two windows, a slab : 

In I Memory of | Colonel Philip | Van Cortlandt | of the Manor of 
I Cortlandt I A Eetired Eoyalist | officer | of the American War. | 
Died at Hailsham I May 1814 | Aged 74 years. | The Memory of the 
Just I is Blessed. JProv. x. vii. 

Further west again, between the window and the door, 
is a very large marble tablet, surmounted by a coat of 
arms: Luxford= Or, 3 boars' heads couped languedgrw. ; 
impaling or a fess chequy gu. and 5a. in chief 3 cross 
crosslets of the last : 

Sacred | to the Memory of 

Edward Luxford who died March | d*' I74f Aged 66 Years. 

Jane his Wife who died Sept. 6"> 1768 | Aged 86 Years. 

John Luxford their Eldest Son who died May 13*** 1775 | Aged 64 
Years. 

Mary Luxford their Eldest Daughter who died May 1 V^ 1763 | Aged 
60 Years. 

Ann Luxford their Fourth Daughter who died | March 16'** 174J 
Aged 23 Years. 

Edward Luxford their Youngest Son who died | Decern. 7"* 1770 
Aged 47 Years. 

Ann Laugham Daughter of Abraham and Jane Laugham | (Grand- 
daughter of the above-named Edw"* and Jane Luxford) | who died 
April 11*** 1757 Aged 4 yecurs and 10 months. 

Frances Luxford | daughter of Edward and Frances Luxford | 
Grandaughter | of the above-said Edw^ and Jane Luxford) who died 
I May 26^ 1763 Aged 9 years and 6 months. 

Frances Eelict of the above | Edward Luxford | died Oct. 7*** 1796 
Aged 72. 

Abraham Laugham who died 12^ June 1793 Aged 76 Years. 

Jane Laugham his Widow who died 15**» April 1805 | Aged | 90 
Years. 

On a separate portion of this tablet, added at the 
bottom: 



120 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Eliz'»» Plumer Wife of Eich* Plumer | of the South Sea House 
London Esq' | and Daughter of Abraham and Jane Laugham j late 
of this Parish | who died Dec' 16"» 1798 Aged 41 Years. 

Bichard Plumer late of the South Sea House | London Esq' who 
died 3«» May 1813 Aged 68 years. 

Upon reading this last epitaph, lovers of Charles Lamb 
— and who that has read his works does not love '^ Elia?" 
— will be inclined to ask, can this be the " fine rattling, 
rattle-headed Plumer" of the Essay on '^ The South Sea 
House ?" The dates certainly agree pretty well ; Richard 
Plumer would have been about 35 when Lamb first 
entered the House. But I fear the case for their identity 
will not hold. This esquire would hardly have been a 
clerk in an office ; moreover, Lamb's Plumer was the son 
of Walter Plumer of Hertfordshire, while this Richard 
was probably related to the James Plumer, gent, ^*who 
died about 1778 and left land in Moorbrook to John 
Plumer, Esq., his nephew, and Robert Plumer, gent, 
of the Cliff, near Lewes, his brother. So this literary 
association must regretfully be abandoned. 

Hailsham Church is fortunate in the possession of a peal 
of eight good bells, of which five date from 1663, one 
recast in 1768, and the other three from 1889. The 
three lightest bear the inscription : 

Eev. F. 0. Harvey, Yicar. Edward Browne James Medhurst 
Churchwardens 1889 

The inscriptions on the remaining bells are as follows : 

loHN HoDSON made mee 1663 wh ir ik ta ow tv 

John Hodson made mee 1663 ie ir ta cw ws hs lb wh 

John Pattenden and Abr™ Laugham Ch. wardens Lester and Pack 

of London fecit 1768 
John Hodson made mee 1663 ir ta cw William Hull 
John Hodson made mee 1663 Jeremiah Beed John Bucke Thomas 

Ackehurste Churchwardens wh ws 

^^'^John Hodson was a famous bell founder of the 
seventeenth century, who cast a good many Sussex bells, 
including that of Kotherfield, which is one of the largest 
in the county. William Hull was his foreman till about 
1672, when he became foreman to Michael Darbie, and 

i» Otham Court RoUs. ^ " S.A.C.," Vol. XVI. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 121 

in 1676 set up for himself at South Mailing, where he 
died in 1687. His son John continued the foundry for 
a short time after his death. The Hailsham bells were 
no doubt cast at ^^ Bellbanks," near the Common Pond, 
and apparently the place was found convenient again at 
a later date, as the Ninfield registers contain the follow- 
ing entry : '^The middle bell was brought home July 19, 
1676, being new cast (by William Hull and Hudson of 
London^ at Hailsham." 

The largest of the bells, the tenor, weiffhs slightly 
over 10-cwt. and is used every evening at eight o'cIock 
for the ringing of the curfew. 

The furniture of the church is entirely modem with 
the exception of a small oak chest carved with the *4inen 
pattern." Another plain large chest stands in the arch- 
way leading from the north aisle inta the vestry and 
contains the churchwardens' accounts. 

The Communion plate consists of: A flagon and a 
patten bearing the imtials E. H. (Elizabeth Hooper) and 
the date 1807; a small silver patten, inscribed, ''The 
Gift of Richard Grastock and Elizabeth his Wife for the 
use of the Communion Table of Haylesham in Sussex 
1728;" and a plain silver chalice, apparently of the 
seventeenth century. There is also a silver alms dish 
with the initials A. A. and date 1885, presented to the 
church by Miss Anne Aires. 

The registers have been largely quoted from in the 
preceding chapters ; they commence with the year 1558, 
the first 40 years being transcribed from an older book, 
as appears from the title of the first volume : 

Haylsham. 

A<» 1569 New Ebgistee of all 

Christening Marrying and Burying wh, 

A° 1 598 hath bine in the pish aforesaid since 

in wh. yeare the the first yeare of the Raigne of oure 

Begister was Sovraigne Lady Elizabeth the 

Ingrosed and writte Queenes Ma^'* that now is. 

Inside this first volume is a note on the fly-leaf to 
the effect that ** This Register book was found among 
the papers of the late Rev* Thomas Hooper Vicar of 



122 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

Haylsham by John Luxford Esq. then living in Framfield 
and by him intrusted to the care of the Rev. John 
Thompson to be faithfully returned to the present vicar 
of Hailsham— the Rev. Rich* Constable— Sep^ 27, 1828." 

The second volume is entitled : 

John Pardon clarke of A Register of the parish of Hailsham 

Hailshame whoe came to begunne Anno Domini 1638 John 

the clarkshipe in the Yeare Bathee and Robert CoUjngham being 

1 643 . Churchwardens. 

This completes the account of the church, and we now 
turn to the vicars. 







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CHAPTER IX. 

c. 1230 — c. 1295. Master Robert de Blechynton, as 
we have seen, was rector of Hailsham in 1286 and had 
held that position for a considerable time, as he is 
described as ^'rector ab antiquo." ^^A Robert de 
Blechington, clerk, made a grant of land in Arlington 
to Michelham Priory in 1230 ; he may have been already 
at this date rector here, but it is possible that he was 
presented to the church, as a benefactor of the priory, 
in 1263, when "^Robert de Blechinton obtained a Papal 
Dispensation to hold two benefices besides the church of 
Old Shoreham. Of these two suppositions the former is 
the more probable, as it explains the continuation of the 
Abbot of Bayham's claim for the rectory after the Prior 
of Michelham had, apparently, surrendered the advowson 
in 1288, and also explains how 

c. 1295. DoM. BoGO de Clare, on the death of de 
Blechington, claimed the rectory, apparently by grant 
from his predecessor, which could hardly have been 
made if the late rector had merely been appointed by 
the Prior instead of having been in possession when the 
advowson was granted to the Priory. He was the last 
secular rector, the Abbot of Bayham obtaining the rectory 
in 1296. 

c. 1280. Master Peter de Haylesham was witness 
to William Marmion's charter and may very likely have 
been vicar here. 

1286. Laurence de la Toune, vicar of Heylesham, 
is mentioned as one of those concerned in the forcible 
ejection of the Abbot of Bayham's men from the church ; 
possibly John le Clerk of Haylesham may have been his 
assistant priest. He no doubt took his name from la 
Doune (Downash), as another later vicar did. 

1288. ^•^DoM. William de Templo was presented by 
brother Richard Abbot of Begeham to the vicarage of 

^ Dugdale'8 " Monaaticon." ^ " Calendar of Papal Registers," Vol. I. 

»M Add. MSS., 6,037, § 291. 



124 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

the church of Haylesham, on the Wednesday after the 
feast of St. Gregory the Pope. 

1305. ^^'Master Nicholas de Heylesham, possibly 
vicar, was ordained deacon in September. 

1307. ^•^ John de Fyndon, chaplain, was presented by 
Laurence Abbot of Begeham to the vicarage of the 
chapel of Haylesham, and was inducted by the Bishop 
of Chichester, 2nd February. 

c. 1344 — 1350. "* William Dyghere, alias Dver. 
We have already seen his sufferings at the hands of John 
of Buckholt; how that '^conscientious objecter" per- 
suaded him not to take tithes from his land, and even 
went further and '^ for five years from the 18*^ Edward 
III. extorted from the vicar 20" a year," and how he on 
one occasion pursued the vicar with a drawn bow till he 
took refuge in the church and paid a fine, and how he 
beat and terrorized his servants so that he was left alone 
in his vicarage with none to wait upon him. Nor did he 
suffer only at the hands of this John, for in the same 
assize of 1352 the jurors present that ^'Thomas atte 
Castelle of Haylesham by night feloniously broke into 
the house of William late vicar of the church of Haylesham 
and robbed the said vicar of 18 pounds of silver, and 
rings, and buckles of gold and silver, and other jewels 
to me value of 100"." He appears to have been distinctly 
a rich man, as : *^ The jurors present that William late 
vicar of the church of Hayllesham, who died on the 
Feast of All Saints 24^ Edward III. TNov. V 1350), did 
on the Sunday next after Easter in tne preceding year, 
in the presence of his parishioners in the church of 
Haylesham, leave and bequeath all his goods and chattels 
after his death to the service of the said church. And of 
these goods William atte Wodesonese of Haylesham has 
appropriated and unjustly detains in gold, silver, wool 
and other goods to the value of 100 marcs (equivalent to 
about £1,000 modem money) to the heavy loss and wrong 
of all the Queen's tenants in the parish. And the jury 

w Wmchelse Register. »* Add. MSS., 6,037, i 335. 

uc Assize BoU, 941. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 125 

state on their oath that WiUiam Wodesonese holds 
illegally 60 marcs, to the oppression of the Queen's 
tenants. So he is fined 10 marcs." 

1351. ^••Walter. Vicar at the time of the Assize, 

1353: 

Thomas Clerk, clerk of Walter vicar of Haylesliam, on the Saturday 
of the vigil of 8' Martin (Nov. 1 1*^) 25^' Edward HI feloniously robbed 
the said vicar of two silver spoons worth 2* 4*, and a belt with silver 
fittings, and a knife, worth 1 4*'. The said Walter, Thomas atte Castell 
and Alan le Bakere pursued the thief to la Ooppedbech (Oobeech or 
Cowbeech) in the Hundred of Foxerle and there captured the said 
Thomas le Clerk and brought him back to Haylesham with the said 
goods and afterwards allowed him voluntarily to go away without 
further prosecution, —the said Walter not knowing of his escape. And 
the same Walter, William Wodesonese, Thomas atte Castell and Alan 
on the Monday after S^ Martin's day illegally detained and appro- 
priated the goods to the use of the said vicar, to the King's loss. For 
which Walter is fined 10 marcs; pledgee, John atte Bocholt, Philip de 
Ceseyngham and William de Mageham. 

"Walter the clerk of Aylesham" also appears in 
another case on the same roll, in which he is associated 
with William Battelesford, Nicholas Curtevyll and a 
number of others who "went to Bernehom and seized 
certain com belonging to the Abbot of Battle to the 
value of £10, by the instructions of Robert Bishop of 
Chichester ; " for which they are fined 20s. each except 
Nicholas Courtevill, who is fined 1 marc, and Walter 4 
marcs, being evidently considered to have been the leader ; 
the Bishop is pledge for all of them. 

1388. "• John, vicar of Aylesham, took the oath that 
the statutes made in the Parliament of that year should 
be upheld. He was probably identical with 

1405. John atte Doune. He was doubtless a local 
man and took his name from la Doune ; he is mentioned 
in 1395 in a ^•'^ Grant by William Blakstok the younger 
and Joan his wife, of land in Haylesham which they had 
lately by the gift of John Coggere of Hellyngelegh, to 
John Heth clerk, John atte Doune clerk, John Wiltones- 
herst clerk, Richard Leghton clerk, Simon Wannok, 
Robert Astyn and others." A broken seal appended to 

"• Chancery Misc. Roll, y. ^ Ancient Deeds, C. 846, 



126 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

this deed appears to have been a capital D with the letters 
i, h. c. above it, and if so, may have been the seal of this 
vicar. "®In 1405 he exchanged to Rodmell, where he 
remained till 1409, when he exchanged again to St. 
Mary-in-the-Marsh, in diocese of Canterbury. 

1405 — 1408. ^^ William Sterger, alias Hamerton, 
had been appointed to Rademelde in 1403 and was 
admitted to the perpetual vicarage of Haylesham, July 
18, 1405, by exchange. 

1408 — 1409. "® John Richer, chaplain, was admitted 
to the perpetual vicarage of Haylesham, vacant by death 
of William Hamerton, on presentation of Thomas Curteys 
sup-prior of Beghame and the convent of the same; 
March 7th, 1408. 

1409. *®®WiLUAM Boole, chaplain, was admitted to 
the perpetual vicarage of Haylesham, vacant by death 
of tJohn Rycher, February 15th, 1409. He had been 
rector of Aldrington in 1399. 

1420. "* Robert Romanale, parochial chaplain of 
Haylesham, and William Alysaunder, officiating chaplain, 
occur in a subsidy list of " Chaplains receiving 7 marcs 
and over." This vicar is probably identical with Robert 
Rounale, vicar of Friston in 1418. 

1429. **Thomas Ratford exchanged to Worth. 

1 429. ^ DoM. Richard Webbe, chaplain, was inducted 
at Chichester by Master John Blounham, keeper of the 
spiritualities of the see of Chichester then vacant, to the 
perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Haylesham, 
in the presentation of the convent of Begham, vacant by 
exchange with parish church of Worthe, Dec. 11th, 1429. 

1433. *^^ William Dalyngton, vicar of Haylesham, 
and John Gussak, of the same parish, grant to John 
Blakstok and Richard Jadewyne, a messuage formerly 
Isabella Colyn's, bounded by the road from Whyte Dyke 
to Haylesham on the south, a lane called le Strete on the 

^ Rede Register. ^ Chichele Register, 

w aer. Subs., Hf. «i Ancient Deeds, C. 27. 



mSTOBT OF HAILSHAM. 127 

east and north, the land of Alan Grigge on the west and 
the land of Robert Dawe on the north. 

c. 1476—1507. Thomas Altoft, or Haltoft. ""John 
Denyssh, Esq., of Helyngleigh, by his will dated 31st 
January, 147f, leaves '*to the vicar of Haylesham for 
tithes forgotten and for an obit 6" 8*," with a similar 
bequest to the vicar of Bexle and 3s. 4d. to the vicar of 
Erlvngton for an obit; and he makes ^' John my son, 
William Gunter and Thomas Haltoft vicar of Aylesham " 
his residuary legatees and executors. *"In a visitation 
of Pevensey Deanery, held in 1478 by Bishop Storey in 
the church of Bourne, Dom. Thomas Haltofte is given 
as vicar of Hayleshame. Amongst the deeds that I gave 
in the section on Magham Down was one dated 11th 
August, 1507, mentioning a grant of land by *^ Thomas 
Altofte late vicar of Haylesham." His will is preserved 
at Somerset House : 

**1506. On the feast of 8* Andrew the Apostle on the last day of 
November in a certain ** ground-floor parlour near the garden of the 
dwelling house of goodman Henry GtK)dwell, vintner, commonly called 
The Bese Taverne in the parish of S^ Nicholas in the Shambles in the 
City of London, —Thomas Altofte clerk and, as he declared, vicar of 
the parish church of Heillesham in the diocese of Chichester, being 
stricken to death with a grievous sickness, made his will in form 
following : 

First he commended his soul to Almighty Ood, the Blessed Virgin 
Mary and all the holy saints ; and his body to be buried with the rites 
of the church wheresoever it pleased God and his executors. Also, 
he left to the fabric of the church (^Basilica) of Heillesham five 
pounds sterling and to the lights of the said church 3* 4**. Also to the 
Cathedral church of Chichester 2'. Also to the fabric of the church 
of Helyngelegh 40*. To the Abbot of Beham ^* unum lectum plumale, 
anfflice a federbed" and ten shillings sterling, and another ten shillings 
to oe distributed amongst the brethren of the said abbot. Also to 
the Prior of Michilham 6* %^ and another 6' 8^ to be divided amongst 
his brethren. Also to the vicar of Hel3'ngelegh 40**, to the vicar of 
Wylyndon 6' 8*, to the vicar of Arlington 20**. Also to the wife of 

■n Wattys, 28. 

*» Storey BegiBter. 

*M Adeane, 24. 

** " in quadam bassa parlera prope ortum domuB habitocionis houesti viri," &c. 
As an exact antithesis I may quote the will of John Travers, Esq., made in 1430 : 
" in quadam alta camera Kectorie de Flecchyng.** 

^^ Why this unusual word should be usad in this one place I do not know. 



128 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Bichard Seyksall a oow, and to Ralph de Helyngelegh a steer. Also 
to the wife of Thomas Verges a heifer, and to Robert Knyght another 
heifer, and to William Funnell another, and to Robert Mattok 40*. 
And to Thomas Hukbye a heifer. Also, to Anne wife of Roger 
Lancaster a heifer ; and all the debts they owed to the said testator he 
entirely releases to them. The residue of his goods not disposed of 
above he left to William Ohapell and Thomas Oockshote and makes 
them his executors and appointed the venerable Master Christopher 
Baynbrige, Master of the Rolls of the King's Chancery, to oversee 
that his will. — And the said testator in order, as he declared, to allav 
any doubts that might arise in the future, said and affirmed — which 
he wished should be inserted with the other premises — that he had 
never been executor of the will of William Weston or in any way 
administered his goods save that once he received five or seven nobles 
from Thomas Gunter, and on another occasion five pounds from Robert 
Gk)odyere, which raone3'8 he faithfully letid out for the welfare of the 
soul of the said William. 

Witness; Roger Lancaster gent., William Wibon brewer, Henry 
Good well vintner, residents of London, Thomas Verges and others. 

Probate 26 June 1507; administration to William Chapell and 
Thomas Cockshote. 

It is much to be regretted that he was not more 
thoughtful for the welfare of his church — and its historians 
— ^in which case wq might have had some details of the 
. altars and images which it contained. 

c. 1520 — 1526. Robert Garton. He resigned the 
vicarage of Frant in 1511 and was appointed to Portslade 
the same year. ^In the visitation of Pevensey Deanery 
held in the church of Borne 13th September, 1521, 
Dom. Robert Gatton is vicar of Haylesham, Dom. Ivo 
Cardyve chaplain there, Dom. — ap Griffith chaplain 
there (possibly identical with John Griffith, who was vicar 
of Laugh ton in 1528), Richard Osborne and Thomas 
Harmer churchwardens. The presence of two Welsh 
chaplains is curious, especially when considered in con- 
nection with the thirteenth century grant of a pension 
in the church to the Archdeacon of St. David's, but is 
probably merely a coincidence. 

1526 — 1541. *"RiCHARD Darell, LL.B., was admitted 
to the perpetual vicarage of Haylesham, vacant by death 
of Robert Garton, to which he was presented by the 
venerable Master John Higdon, D.D., Dean of the College 

^ Shirburne Register. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 129 

of Thomas Cardinal of York in the University of Oxford 
and the canons of the same college ; Jan. 9th, 152f . He 
is mentioned in the ** Valor Ecclesiasticus : " ^ ' Haylysham ; 
Richard Darrell, clerk, is vicar there ; net value per annum 
with all the profits and issues now in the tenure of Thomas 
Bullond — £16. 6. 8." He was a member of a good family 
resident in the neighbourhood of Lamberhurst, and was 
also rector of St. Thomas the Martyr at Winchelsea, to 
which he was presented in 1527. He was apparently 
non-resident at Hailsham, and resigned the living on 
obtaining the prebend of Heathfield in 1541. 

John Stephanson, curate, witnessed the will of Robert 
Wyllard in 1528. 

** Thomas Meeke was probably curate here about 1535 
as in an inquisition concerning Otham chapel (q*v.)y ^*one 
Sir Thomas Meeke" is said to have been vicar before 
'*Sir Bucklond," but as this latter was first curate and 
then vicar, immediately succeeding Richard Darrell, it is 
probable that Meeke was really curate. 

1542 — 1554. Thomas Buckland. He was at first 
curate, as appears from the will of Robert Snow, 1540, 
who leaves *' to Thomas Buckland curate of Haylesham 
6" 8*." He succeeded to the vicarage in 1542, *"^ com- 
pounding for tithes of November 30th of that year. In 
1554 he appears as witness to the will of Agnes Foster, 
widow, of Uailsham, and in the same year became vicar 
of Bodiam. 

1554 — 1581. *** John Oldfield, compounded for tithes 
12th April, 1554. <^ John Oldfylde clerk" witness to 
will of William Onstye 1570, and to other wills of the 
same period. It was during his vicarship that the riot 
in the church occurred, but as he retained office till his 
death he cannot have been very strongly attached to the 
forms of the old religion. 

1582. *^® Reginald Bourcey, ^^ clericus verbi Dei," was 
admitted by the Archbishop — the see of Chichester being 
vacant — to the perpetual vicarage of Haylesham, vacant 

«» Add. MSS., 5,681. «» Compoeition BooIeb. 

aw GrindaU Regiflter, 503. 

K 



130 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM, 

by the death of John Oldfield, to which he was presented 
by Edward Gage, of Bentlej, Esquire, 19th October, 
1582. He compounded for tithes 13th February, 158f . 
But apparently the Archbishop subsequently discovered 
that the presentation had not been made within the 
necessary time — six months — ^after the death of the last 
vicar, and was consequently void. 

1583 — 1590. "^Thomas Finkell, clerk, was admitted 
to the perpetual vicarage of the church of Haylesham 
on the presentation of the Archbishop, to whom the 
patronage had on this occasion lapsea; 29th March, 
1583: And the Archbishop ordered Reginald Bursey, 
clerk, who is putting forward a claim to the said vicarage, 
to be cited to show cause why Thomas Fynkell should 
not be inducted into full possession of the said parish 
church. Thomas Finkell was vicar of Eastbourne in 
1580. 

1590 — 1625. **MiLE8 Hodgson compounded for tithes 
26th February, 1590. And for the tithes of Westham in 
October, 1592. His answers to the *^* inquiry addressed 
to all the churches of the diocese about 1600 give some 
information about himself and the parish : 

The AnBwears of Myles Hodgsone Yicar of Hayleshame and 
Westham. 

1. The number of Oommunicants in Hailsham is 400 or thereabout : 

In Westham 220. 

2. There is in Hailsham one man recusant and one woman: In 

Westham 4 men and five women. 

3. There is in Hailsham but one man and one woman that refuseth 

to receave y* Communion : In Westham 5 men and 5 women. 

4. I holde the Yioaridges of Hailsham and Westham, both with 

cure, beinge by Degree of Schoole Bachel' of Divinitie and 
Chaplain to the Bight Honorable the L. Buckhurst — now Lord 
Hi^h Treasurer of England— and thereby qualified : and the 
said Yicaridgee do joyn both together the churches beinge 
distant twooe myles or there about the one from the other : the 
Yaluacon of Hailshame in the Kinges bookes is fourteene 
poundee or thereabout and of Westham sixteen poundes or 
thereabout. 

>u GrmdaU Begister, 509. 

^> PeneSf Messrs. Hunt, Ciizrey & Nicholson. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 131 

5. There is in Hailsham an impropriat parsonage endued with a 

vicaridge, which vicaridge is valued in the Kinges bookes as 
aforesaid : the same at Westham. 

6. There is in Hailshame an impropriat parsonage and another in 

Westham the value whereof in the £inges bookes I doe not as 
yet knowe. 

7. The Patron of the Yicaridge of Hailshame is James Thetcher 

esquier; of Westham, L** Buckhurst. 

Signed Myles Hodgsone. 

His conscience appears to have smitten him for this 
plurality and he endeavours, with some success, to soften 
it dovm. The real distance between the two churches, 
a^ the crow flies, is exactly four miles, this becomes two 
with the saving clause, ^^or thereabout;" the real valua- 
tion of Hailsham is £16. 6s. 8d. and of Westham £21. 10s., 
so that in the latter case ^^or thereabout" stands for 
£5. 10s. ! 

Amongst the marriages entered in the register for 1591 
is: ^' Myles Hodgsone minister of the Word of God of 
Haylshame and Phillipp Puttenden at Nettellsted in Kent, 
6 September." By this marriage he had four children — 
John, Martha, Thomas and Edward — bom between 1596 
and 1600. In 1602 the Hailsham register records the 
burial, on March 21st, of ^^ Philypp the wyfe of M' Myles 
Hodgson mynister of Godes woord in the chauncefl of 
Westham churche." By his will, dated 1625, he desired 
^'to bee buried in Westham Chauncill" and gives ^^to 
the poore of Westham and Hailsham cache parrishe 
ten pounds ... to William Radford my grandchild 
(probably the son of Martha) the house M' Bexhill late 
dwelt in in Hailsham ; " the chief legacies are to ^^ William 
Thomason my son in law and Elizabeth his wife (there is 
no entry of tne baptism of this daughter) and Miles his 
son." We have seen that in 1650 ^* Barbara and Elizabeth 
the heirs of Miles Thomasin " held land in Moorebrook. 

Miles Hodgson was no doubt a relation of Bamaby 
Hodgeson of Framfield, who obtained the rectory in 1611. 
Both Bamaby and Miles Hodson occur in an inquisition 
concerning Ashdown Forest in 1610, as holding land of 
the manor of Maresfield. He appears, however, not to 

K 2 



132 HIBTORT OF HAILSHAM. 

have been a native of Sussex, as "Alumni Oxonienses" 

gives: "Miles Hodgesonne of Yorks, pleb. All Souls 
oUege, Matric. 28 Nov. 1581 aged 28. B.A. 6 July 
1582. M.A. from New College 10 July 1584. B.D. 
27 June 1694." In 1602 he became prebendary of 
Fittleworth. The only other notices of him that I have 
found are ^'two " Rolls of Armour appointed to be 
furnished by clergy." " 1612 Westham and Hailsham: 
M' Miles Hodson : A musquet furnished. 1620 Hailsham 
and Westham : M' Miles Hodgeson (double beneficed) 2 
musquets fumishte." 

Thomas Wood was curate from 1602, or earlier, to 
1613. His son Thomas was buried in 1602, and three 
daughters — Damaris, Debora and Judeth — were baptised 
between 1608 and 1611 ; he was buried July 17th, 1613. 
Desire Smith, minister, married Elizabeth Barbar in 
1614 and was curate till his death in 1623. Desire, his 
son, was baptised May 1st, 1617; there was also a 
daughter, as appears from the will of Elias Swane, 1629, 
who leaves ^^ to Elizabeth daughter of Desire Smith 
clerke lately deceased, being my goddaughter, five 
pounds." Ill 1622 Mary Tindall, widow, appoints as 
overseer of her will "my well beloved frend Desire 
Smith of Hailsham clerk." His burial is recorded on 
Jan. 17th, 162|. "Des. Smith" appears as witness to 
an indenture of apprenticeship in 1615, and again in 
1623, the name bemg in both cases in a clear and very 
"flourishous" hand. 

1626. ^* Brian Duppa compounded for tithes of Hail- 
sham and Westham in April. Resigned the living the 
same year on being appointed to Withyham. He was 
son of Jeffrey Duppa, vicar of Lewisham, in Kent, bom 
1588 ; student of Christ Church, Oxford, in 1605 ; D.D. 
in 1625 ; Dean of Christ Church 1629 and Vice-Chancellor 
of Oxford in 1632; appointed tutor to Prince Charles, 
who seems to have retamed an affection for him till his 
death in 1 662. In 1 638 he was made Bishop of Chichester 
and was translated in 1641 to Salisbury, of which he 

"» Harleian MS8., 703. »* Composition BookB. 



HISTOBT OF HAILSHAM. 133 

was deprived by the ParKament. At the Restoration 
he was translated to Winchester, which see he held till 
his death ; he was buried in Westminster Abbey. 

Stephen Herbert was curate at this time, William 
Royden by his will of 1626 leaving ^^ to Master Stephen 
Herbert Curat of Hailsham 6' 8*." He may have been 
identical with ***" Stephen Herbert; B.A. from Jesus 
College 6 July 1609, M.A. 9 July 1612; was allowed to 
coimt some terms at Cambridge.' 

1626 — 1628. '"John Walwin compounded for tithes 
28th January, 162f. This was not quite the first living 
he had held, as his name appears at Wisboro' 1587, 
Arundel 1591, Withiham 15S6, Fletching 15,97, East 
Grinstead 1698 and Heathfield 1610. 

1628 — 1650. "* William Osborne compounded for 
tithes 30th May, 1628. The baptisms of four of his 
children, William, Elizabeth, Nathaniel and Samuel, 
occur between 1630 and 1637; Elizabeth (or another 
daughter) married Henry Coby, gentleman. He was 
ejected in Michaelmas, 1660. 

John Smith was curate in 1633, as the baptism of 
John, his son, took place that year. This son became 
vicar of Hellingly in 1663 and his son, John, was baptised 
at Hailsham in 1678. 

1650 — 1660. John Lover was apparently in holy 
orders and was only about 24 when put into the living, 
as he is styled ^' John Lover of Hailsham clerk, aged 37 
or upwards," in a deposition of 1663. He was already 
married when he came to the parish, as ''Anne Lovare 
daughter of John Lovar minister of the parish of Hal- 
sham," was baptised in August, 1651. Just over two 
years later he married again, consent of marriage being 
published 11th December, 1653, and two weeks following, 
between " M' John Lover of this parish, son of John 
Lover of Glvnde yeoman, and Suzanna Diplocke daughter 
of Robert Diplocke of this parish yeoman : — They were 
married at Haylsham 27 December 1653 by James 
Temple Esq." By this marriage he had issue Marie, 

ai» "Alumni OzonienfieB.*' 



134 . HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Anne and John between 1654 and 1660. At the Restora- 
tion he was ejected, and a notice of him is given in ^^ the 
Nonconformist's Memorial : " 

HaylBham [V.] M' John Lover. He was presented at the Bishop's 
court and convicted at the quarter sessions, on the statute (the Act of 
Uniformity), of £20 a month, for not going to church, till submission 
and conformity. This conviction with many others was returned into 
the Exchequer in order to the estreating the respective forfeitures. 
When the plague was in London he, with others, being met for fasting 
and prayer at a house in Cranbrook parish in Kent, a justice, who was 
afterward more moderate, came in upon them. He required M' Lover 
to go by his horse side to the town 3 miles off in a deep and dirty way 
(this must have reminded him of his late parish) till one engaged for 
his appearance. M" Lover and some others were committed to Maid- 
stone jail, where they underwent two months imprisonment. 

He afterwards returned to Hailsham, where in 1675 
he made his will : ** to my three children John, Thomas 
and Elizabeth the summe of £300 to be paid at their 
respective ages of 21 years to be equally divided. My 
loving wife Suzanna to receive the interest of the said 
£300, so long as she continue a widow, towards the 
bringing up of the said children: if she change her 
condition she is to have only £12 of the said interest. 
... I further will that my Library be sold for the 
Payment of my Debts. ... To Elizabeth Deane 5*, 
to Richard Smith 6". . . . Henry Coby of Hailsham 
and John Durrant of Hellingly to be overseers." [Probate 
April, 1683.] It is worth noting that Henry Coby, whom 
he appoints as one of his overseers, was son-in-law to the 
vicar whose place he had taken. Mr. John Lover was 
buried 24th September, 1682. 

1660—1701. *"JoHN Wenham was presented to the 
living by Lord Dorset and instituted 27 October, 1660. 
He was a member of a Ninfield family, who bore for arms: 
Paly of 6 arg. and gu. on a chief az. a lion passant of the 
1st ducally crowned or. His father, John Wenham of 
Moorehall in Ninfield, who had married Ann, daughter 
of Sir Francis Needham, made his will in 1657, leaving 
^^ To my son John Wenham 20" ; to my son in law Robert 
Harrison 20' ; to my son in law Henry Mountague 20' 

816 Institution Books. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 135 

(Henry, son of Henry Montague, vicar of Laughton, and 
Mary nis wife, was baptised at Hailsham, 1665) ; to my 
son in law William Benbrigg 20' . . . my grandchildren 
John and George Wenham . . . Remainder to my loving 
grandchild John Wenham and his heirs (he was buried in 
1676V" His mother was buried at Hailsham in 1667, 
and nis wife Elizabeth in 1696; his son George became 
a clergyman and was rector of Rotherfield in 1724. He 
himselt was buried on July 4th, 1701. 

1701—1753. ]^*Thomas Hooper, M.A., of University 
College, Oxford, instituted 10th September, 1701 ; rector 
of Beckley, where he resided.- A visitation of the church 
in 1724 has been given in the last chapter, and the evils of 
a non-resident vicar are pretty evident from the statement 
that the Sacrament was then only administered four times 
in the year, and that the communicants numbered 40 
(instead of the 400 of a century earlier). 

John Cittizen was curate in 1724, and in the register 
of Januaiy, 1702, there is an entry signed by him against 
the burials of John Head of Icklesham and Catherine 
Crowherst, ^'Rec* of both these persons 6 shillings for 
the Break of the Ground a Coustome Rec^ by my pre- 
dicessors." He became vicar of Westham 1741. 

1753—1769. "'^Odiarne Hoopeb, B.C.L., of University 
College, Oxford, was instituted 10 July, 1753. He had 
been vicar of Mayfield in 1730, and rector of East 
Guldeford in 1736, resigning the latter living on his 
appointment to Hailsham. He resided in the parish, and 
his epitaph declares that he was ^' a truly pastoral vicar." 

1770—1804. ^^Thomas Hooper, LL.B., was instituted 

12th February, 1770. He was rector of Beckley, where 

he resided, and became prebendary of Seaford in 1785. 

The following were curates under him: 

William Woodward, 1770 to 1771, when he became vicar of Plumpton. 
Hugh Lewis, temporarily only, 1772 ; vicar of Folkington 1779. 
John Pryse, 1772—1779. 
John Thompson, 1780—1788. 
Herbert Jones, 1788—1791. 

Thomas Hubbersty, 1791 — 1793: a monument to his memory in 
the chancel. 

George Haygarth, 1794— 1803 : vicar of Hooe 1803, Wivelsfield 1806. 



136 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

1805 — 1839. ^^RiCHARD Constable, M.A., instituted 
19th April, 1805. Held also the vicarage of Cowfold 
and WM non-resident. Had been vicar of Selmeston 
from 1785 to 1801. His curates were: 

WiUiam Morgan, 1804—1809. 
Arthur Gibson, 1809—1810. 
John Gibson, 1810—1812. 
Charles Cay, 1812. 

Alfred Barker, 1813 — 1819: published a volume of sermons at the 
Hailsham press in 1815. 
Thomas Kobinson Welch, 1819—1839. 

1839 — 1843. George Pocock, B.C.L., was patron as 
well as incumbent and resided at Hailsham during the 
four years that he held the living. 

1843—1846. '"John Hobart Gaunter, B.D. Bom 
at Dittisham, in Devonshire, in 1794 ; went to India as 
a cadet about 1809, but '* having discovered, much to 
his disappointment, nothing on the continent of Asia to 
interest him," came back and studied at Cambridge for 
the ministry. He was 19 years incumbent of St. raul's 
Chapel, Foley Place, Marylebone, and was chaplain to 
the Earl of Thanet. He was resident during tne time 
that he held the vicarage of Hailsham, and in 1846 took 
a lease of a proprietary chapel at Kennington. At the 
time of his death in November, 1851, he was curate of 
Prittlewell. 

He wrote a number of books, of which his ^^ Romance 
of History : India," published in three volumes in 1836 
and reprinted in 1872, was the most important. His 
other works varied from '* St. Leon, a Drama in Three 
Acts," and *' The Fellow Commoner, a Novel," to " An 
Inquiry into the History and Character of Rahab." The 
only work produced during his residence at Hailsham 
was ^' The Triumph of Evil, a Poem," published in 1845. 

George Pinnock (vicar of East Dean in 1847) appointed 
a churchwarden and signed the minutes as chairman of 
the vestry in 1846. 

1846—1872. George Gayton Harvey, B.A. of St. 
John's College, Cambridge, formerly curate of Doncaster, 

^'' This notice is condensed from the ** National Dictionary of Biography.*' 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 137 

and vicar of Horton in Staffs and Winster in Derby, was 

{)resented to the vicarage of Hailsham by his fatner-in- 
aw, Thomas Sheppard, Esq., of Folkington Place. 

His curates were : 

Constantine Frere, 1847. 

Henry Parminter, 1849—1851 : Naval chaplain from 1862—1868, 
and subsequently yicar of Humshaugli-on-Tyne. 

John D. Carey, 1868—1860. 

W. E. James, 1860—1863. 

W. J. Underwood, 1863—1866. 

George M. Love, 1867—1868. 

Alexander Beauiort Grimaldi, 1869 — 1872; afterwards chaplain at 
Oapri. 

1872. Francis Clyde Haevey, M.A. of Trin. Coll., 
Camb., B.A. (2nd class Theo. dist. in Hebrew) 1867, 
M.A. 1870; curate of New Radford, Notts, 1868—1872. 
Succeeded his father in 1872 and is the present vicar — 
and long may he remain so ! 

Curates: 

George William Crofts Ward, B.A., 1884—1887. 
William James Clay, B.A., 1887—1900: Curate-in-charge, Broad- 
weU(Glouc.)1901. 
Herbert Kitley, 1900. 

Curates-in-Charge at Polegate : 

Samuel Fisher Akroyd, M.A., 1876—1887; now viear of Crow- 
borough. 

William Leach Groves, M.A., 1887—1889; formerly missionary in 
China. 

George Jepson, M.A., 1889—1893. 

William Clifford Aston, M.A., 1893—1895. 

James Thomas Taylor, M.A., 1896. 

One noticeable fact about the Hailsham vicars is their 
longevity; omitting Robert de Blechingdon, who appears 
to have been rector for nearly 70 years, six vicars held 
the living more than 30 years, — a circumstance which 
would be an excellent testimonial to the healthiness of 
the parish were it not for the fact that four out of the 
six were non-resident. A period of 93 years (1 660 — 1 753] 
was covered by two vicars, and the three Hoopers held 
the living for over a century between them. 



138 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



Churchwardens- 



There are in the church chest a large number of 
Indentures of Apprentices from the time of Elizabeth, 
which give the names of a great many chm^chwardens of 
the seventeenth century, and others occur in the registers 
and elsewhere. In the following list, down to 1700, 
when the som'ce from which the name is taken is not 
given, it is derived from the indentures. From 1700, 
contrary to what one might have expected, the list is so 
fragmentary and incomplete as not, in my opinion, to 
be worth the space it would occupy. The form of the 
indenture is practically the same in all cases, the master 
undertaking that the apprentice shall not be chargeable 
to the parish for a certain number of years and promising 
'^ by the best meanse hee can or may to teach and caus 
his apprentic to bee instruct in (whatever his trade may 
be), giving him Dew and fitting Coraction and alsoe 
finding and allowing meate, drinck, washing, loging, 
aparrell and all other things nesesary and belonging to 
such an apprentice as well in sickness as in health dewring 
the said Terme : and in the end of the said tearme to 
give him two hoale shutes of good and deesent wearing 
aparrell of all sorts as well linnen as WoUen one for 
working days the other for the Lords daies meete and 
convenient, the apprentice undertaking not to frequent 
taverns, play cards or dice, or inordinately waste his 
master's goods. 

1594. Thomas Snowe and John Gurr. 

1599. Hugh Franckewell and Edmund Buckherst: signed the 
register. 

1601. Nicholas Copper and Gregory Wimshurste. 

1602. Eichard Maye and John Kenchsly. 

1605. John Bodle and John Colly er: associated with Edward 

Akehurst and Laurence Thatcher, overseers, in indenture 
of Ajines Allchin (a corruption probably of Alchorne) to 
Thanckfull Farncome husbandman and Anna his wife. 

1606. Eichard Kencheley and William Painter. 

1607. Thomas Sawyer and Eichard Hamblen. 

1608. Nicholas Bodle and Thomas Pimm : register. 

1609. Edmund Waterhouse of Magham quarter and Thomas Bodle 

the younger out of Towne quarter : register. 
1612. Thomas Akehurste. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 139 

(1614. Stephen Foster was parish clerk : register.) 

1615. Bichard Cockshutt and Nicholas Henseman. 

1616. AbraJ^am Bodle and John Daniell.*" 

1617. Bichard Baker and Edward Fainter. 

1619. John Gurr and Edward Akehurst. 

1 620. Edward Akehurst and Thomas Bodle : EUz. Burgesse appren- 

ticed to John Hunte, buckettmaker. 

1623. John Beade and Thomas Bodle. 

1627. Bichard Maye and Abraham Kenchlej: Maiy daughter of 
Henry Purple apprenticed to Wm. Hodye, Broadweaver, 
and Abigaile Smyth of Gowdehurst in Kent. 

1631. Thomas Cockshott and Bicheird Hamblin. 

1635. Bobert Diplocke and John Humphrie. 

1638. John Bathee and Eobert Collingham: register. 

1639. William Lullam **hosher," and Abraham Bodle, "chantler." 
(1643. John Pardon was parish clerk : register.) 

1651. Elias Swane and Thomas Bodle. 

1653-4. John Caukett and William Beade. 

1655-6. William Beede, Thomas Bedford and Edward Fry. 

George Funnell and Edmond Ede: during the Common- 
wealth. 

1663. Jeremiah Beed, John Bucke and Thomas Ackehurste; on 
one of the bells. 

1668. John Page and John Edburrough. 

1673. Michael Humphrey and Jarvis Bexhill. 

1675-6. John Bodle and William Goodwin: Ursula Hibberden 
apprenticed to Wm. Beed shooemaker. 

1677. Thomas Hilder gent, and Janraise Bexhill : Eliz. Hubberden 
apprenticed to Thomas May of S' Olaves Surrey, mariner, 
ana Eliz. his wife — to learn household work. 

1680. John Woods and John Bennet : Daniel Goffe apprenticed to 
Jarvaise Bexhill yeoman. 

1685. William Bodle and William Skinner. 

1686. Bichard Miller and WiUiam Tindall. 
(1689. Thomas Height, parish clerk, buried.) 
(1690. John Woods, parish clerk : register.) 

1696-7. Samuel Gyles and Edward Knight. 

1699. Samuel Gyles mercer, Edward Knight glover : with Thomas 

Colbrand chirurgeon, Abraham Bodle yeoman and Edward 
Fryer yeoman overseers of the poor. 

1700. Nicholas Senocke and Thomas Clifforde. 

Amongst the later churchwardens I shall only mention 
two; in 1814 Francis Howlett, ^®'^ comedian, school- 
master, postmaster, tax-collector, vestry clerk, printer, 

"* John Daniell, yeoman, by his will of 1620 left : ** to the maintenance of the 
Church of Hailsham 6* 8** . .to Abraham Kenteley my brother land without 
the landgate at Bye ; " mention of *' Richard Brushudd of HayUham taylor.*' 

«» «♦ Our Pariah." 



140 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

travelKng librarian, musician and general referee." He 
was '^one of a party of strolling players who arrived 
in the place on a professional tour," and settling here 
became the first master of the school, then held in the 
vestry. From 1827 to 1845 Richard King Sampson was 
churchwarden; he was one of the leading men of the 
place and a great sportsman — there is an engraving, 
taken from a portrait by Henwood of Lewes, representing 
him with his horse and his favourite hound ^' Druid" — 
and Geering devotes a considerable portion of a chapter 
of *^ Our Parish " to his memory. 



CHAPTER X. 

Haying finished with the topographical and ecclesiastical 

portion of our history the genealogical remains to be 

examined ; and for this purpose I shall first give a number 

of lists of the inhabitants at various dates and then, in the 

next chapter, consider some of the more important families 

in detail. Of these lists the first is a **^ subsidy of 1332 : 

Vill of HayloBham. s. d. s. d. 

Simon ate Beche 5 1^ John Hubert I 9 

WiUiam Scjot 2 11 Alfred Kanel 110 

William Haylward 6 lOJ William Wamesals 1 2} 

EobertMabely 6 9^ William Bertyn 11 

Nicholas de Boggeleeh . . 8 5| Ealph Broggs 1 Of 

Alexander de Boggelegh. 3 2 Bobert Berewyk 10^ 

Bartholomew de Bogge- Thomas Tuberel 1 0^ 

legh 9 0^ William de Hemsted 3 2} 

Eidutrd de Bolene 4 0^ John Hanek 1 

Thomas Tanner 4 1^ John Brown 6 8 

John Spencer 5 0^ Eichard Eikethon 8 

Bobert Moneth 3 7 Andrew Sakevyle I 7^ 

Jolm Toumur 2 2 Peter de Henlegh 8 

Peter de Wannemere. ... 3 10^ Thomas Oiystemasse .... 5 

— Holte 3 10| William de Megham 3 

Thomas atte Tye 2 Philip atte Diker 6 

Thomas le Melker 2 



Adam Baker 1 2^ Total ..104 8f 

^William Scot is presented in the assize of 1353 for 
two robberies ^'from the house of Thomas atte Castelle 
in Boskeye ; " Wannemere we have had several times in 
connection with Magham; *"John Melker of Morbroke 
occurs in a deed of 1397; the name Christmas is still 
found in the parish. The next list is from the Nonae 
Rolls of 1341, and being only nine years later naturally 
contains a good many of the same names ; but it is much 
more extensive, although, with the exception of the jurors, 
all the names are of those resident within the Liberty 
portion of the parish. 

Haylesham. Inquibitiones Nonabum. 
This indenture witnesseth that a court of enquiry was held at Lewes 
on the Monday following the Sunday of mid- Lent in the fifteenth year 
of the reign of King Edward, the third of that name since the conquest, 

« Lay Slubsidiea, if*. «» Assize RoU, 941. « " S.A.C.," Vol. XXH. 



142 HI8T0RT OF HAILSHAM. 

before Henry Husee and his colleagues, collectors and assessors of the 
ninths of sheaves fleeces and lambs, and of the fifteenths granted, in 
the county of Sussex, in the fourteenth year of the reign of Eling 
Edward, the third since the conquest, to the lord king, in addition to 
the full value of the ninths aforesaid, according to the report of the 
commission of the lord king aforesaid, drawn up by H. and his 
colleagues on the oath of !reter de Wannemme, Booert le Mous, 
Bobert Chyteryne, Thomas Melker, Philip ate Dykere, Alexander 
Bogelegh, Simon Holt, and Eichaid Cokesych, parishioners of the 
church of Haylesham, jurors and investigators who state on their oath, 
that ; the ninth part of the sheaves of the parish aforesaid is worth 
this year, xxxviij' vj' ; the ninth of fleeces vj^, and the ninth of lambs 
xij"*. Total of sheaves fleeces and lambs xl". 

Item : they state that the Abbot of Begeham holds lands in the said 
parish, from which, the ninth of sheaves is worth this year xiij*, the ninth 
of fleeces iij' vj**, and the ninth of the lambs is worth this year ij' vj*. 

Item they state that men of the Liberty of the Cinque Forts hold 
land in the said parish, from which the ninth of sheaves is worth this 
year xxiij marks and a half, the ninth of the fleeces of the same men 
x', and the ninth of lambs x", of which, the share of John Lytlewaite 
is xx% of John Lewyne x', of John Hakham xvjV 

Item John Beeve xij*. Item William Crop' xx', Item Bobert Keppyng 
xi]**. Item Bobert Crop xx'. Item Thomas fiartholmeu ij*. Item Thomas 
Brake xl^. Item William Trapel senior xvj", Item William Wyllard 
half a mark, Walter Carpunter ij*, John Bertelot x*, Edmund Gbdwyn 
j mark. Item John Austman x% Simon Edyne v', John Carpunter v*, 
John Melker iij*. Item Mark Austman rjS Item John Bolene half a 
mark, Joseph Tropel half a mark, John Frye xl**, Nicholas ate Doune 
j mark, Item Simon Batelesford xx*. Item John ate Bemette xx". Item 
Thomas ate Wode xx% Item John Wyllard ij*. Item William ate Walle 
ij*. Item Nicholas Neushall j mark, Item Stephen Wythend j mark, 
Kichard Aleman j mark, John Schakclok v*, Item Simon Austman xij'. 
Item John Edyne xl**. Item John Bertram v". Item John Schepherd 
xl**. Item Walter Beynold ij'. Item Simon Gbbb ij*, Item Simon Wynd 
xi]**. Item Simon Wythot x". Item Simon Pye ij", William Pye half a 
mark, Philip ate Bergh v'. Item Simon Portreve j mark. Item Boger 
Q3Tigeld half a mark. Item Simon Erco xij**. Item John Crop ij*. Item 
Bartholomew Wythot xij**. Item John ate Crouche xl**, Bobert Bonte 
ij', Item Nicholas Monya half a mark. Item Maurice Mulshale xij"^, 
Item William Taylor iij*. Item WUIiam de Walle ij', Item John Lyon 
xP, Item Bobert Longe senior x', Item Bobert Longe junior xx*. Item 
John Osebarn xii^. Item Simon Osebam xij**, William Osebam xij*. 
Item Walter Goudrod xij"*, Bichard ate Hoke xij**. Item James Alfryrch 
xij**. Item Bichard Stambler xij**. Item John Longe v*. Item Simon 
Beynold x', Item John Averay ad**. Item John Ghoodegrom v*. Item 
Thomas Ate Flote v'. Item John Edmund ij". Item WiU Byker xl*, 
Item Henry Bolenee ij*, Simon Musket ij*. 

And so the total of all the sheaves, fleeces and lambs in the parish 
aforesaid, together with the ninths of the Abbot of Begeham, and the 
ninths of tiie men of the Liberty aforesaid, is xxvj" vj* viij*. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 143 

Item, they state that the ninths of sheaves, fleeces and lambs cannot 
be made up to the assessment of the aforesaid church, which is assessed 
with the vicarage at Hi marks, because the rector of the same church 
holds a messuage and land worth per annum xl' from which the afore- 
said church is endowed. Item, they state that the vicar of the church 
aforesaid has the offerings of hay and hemp and the other small tithes, 
which are worth per annum vj" vj* viii"*. 

Item, they state that there are not in the parish aforesaid any who 
are engaged in commerce, but they live by their agriculture. Item, 
they state that there are not there any Cardinals' or bishops' benefices. 
In witness of which, the aforesaid jurors have attatched their seals to 
this indenture, on the above mentioned day and year. 

Five out of the eight jurors occur in the previous 
list; Robert Chyteryne may be identical with Robert 
Chyterugge, Constable of the hundred of Thylle in 1353 
— a William Chyterigge occurs in an ^inquisition at 
Hailsbam in 1371. It is noticeable that by this time 
most of the surnames are genuine patronymics, the 
number of de and atte being small, and in those cases 
where these prefixes are retained they are for the most 
part inherited rather than personal. The gradual cliange 
m the character of surnames is sliown by Alexander 
Bogelegh and John Bolene, in both of which names the 
de appeared in the earlier list, and by a similar change 
le Melker becomes Melker ; a slightly diflferent process is 
visible in the conversion of the ate Hoke of this survey 
into Hokeby and probably Hokeman, and ate Crouche 
into Croucher. Our next ^^list is again of the Barons 
of the Cinque Ports resident in Haillesham, in 1373 : 

William Holt 1 6 *John Lyttelwalte 1 6 

John Musket 2 William Lewyne 9 6 

♦William Bertelot 5 10 Henry Bolne 1 

♦John Austeman 3 Simon Wythoth 1 6 

John Carpenter I 8 Eobert Sayer 8 

John atte Berghe 4 Alexander Bertyn 7 

♦Walter atte Wode 1 8 Walter Osebarn 2 

♦Simon Bolne 4 Simon Buskheye 4 

Nicholas Keppyng 3 Roger Willard 3 6 

♦John Frie 1 the same 1 

Nicholas Frye 1 6 Richard Willard 6 

♦William Alfrych I John atte Lynd 2 

Reginald Longhe 1 6 

Robert Stonleghe 2 Total . . 39 10 

» Add. M8S., 6,168. «* Lay Subddies, ajA. 



144 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM, 

William Lewyne, whose payment is so much in excess 
of the others, was bailiff of Endlenwyk, and William 
Bertelot, who comes next to him, signs himself in 1379 
bailiff(of Hailsham) when witnessing, with William Holt 
and Walter atte Wode, a ** grant by Robert Sayer to 
Simon Wy tots : Bushkey, the Boskeye mentioned above, 
is Bushey Field. The names with asterisks also occur 
in a similar ^list of 1384, on which the other names are: 
William and John Bothel, John Somer, Thomas and 
John Willard, Robert and John Mersale, Andrew Burgeys, 
Robert Wyberd, Henry Bertyn, Matilda Lomb, Thomas 
Osebam, Thomas Vurgine, Matilda Heyward, William 
Bernette and Matilda Wynan. 

^In 1460 the following barons of Pevensey resident 
in Hailsham obtained exemption from payment of a 
subsidy: Thomas atte Wode, John Hamond, Thomas 
Wythot, Thomas Knyth, John Longe, Matthew atte 
Wode, Miles Mason, John Osbarn, John and William 
Hokeby and Alice atte Wode. William Hokeby as 
constable of the hundred was involved in Cade's rebellion, 
as was also John Osbarn. And in a ^clerical subsidy 
apparently of some 30 years later the church and vicarage 
of Haylesham are rated to pay 69s. 4d., a deduction of 
21s. 6a. being allowed *^ for goods and chattels of barons 
of the Cinque Ports in the Liberty of Pevense viz. 
Thomas atte Wode, John Reder sen'., John Hamond, 
John Sharp, John Bodyhame, John Colyn, John Reder 

J'un'., John Garslonde, John Wythot, William Bemet, 
Tohn Mersale, Robert Tut, Galfrid ThreiU, John Liuet, 
Thomas Joop, John Ossebam, John Cook, John Gardyn 
and Robert Alfrich." 

The next item is more interesting, being the *^ Muster 
Roll for the '' Hundrethe of Dyll " in 1539, giving a list 
of men able to bear arms — ^in this point the borough of 
Isenhurst, the northern division of the hundred, comes 
easily first, possessing no fewer than 22 bill-men to five in 
Hellmgly and four in Hailsham — and of armour available. 

«» Add. Charter, 24,286. «" Laj Subsidies, fgf. 

« Lay Subsidies, W. « cier. Subsidies, ^. 

«• State Papers, Henry VIII. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



145 



The Borowe of Haylisham 

Henry Baker a bowe and a shefE of arrowes. 
able bowe men J Thomas Gbstelyn a bowe and a sheff of arrowes. 
John Dene. 
John Wimble. 



able bill men 



unable men . 
haying harness 



Edmunde Foster a bill and a bowe 

John a Gate 

Richard Tutt 

Thomas Frye 

Nicholas Willard a pare of ^ahnen revets lackying 

a salet 
John Frye a bowe and a sheff of arrowes 
John Foster a payer of Almon revets complet a 

bowe a bill and a poUe axe 
Thomas Snowe a bowe and a sheff of arrowes 
Thomas Twisden a bill and a paier of *"* splints 
Thomas Bodle a bowe and half a sheff of arrowes 
John Pinson a bill 

Eichard a Wodd a bowe and a sheff of arrowes 
Eobert Nycholson a bowe. 
Thomas Pers a bill. 
Thomas Swane a bill. 
John a See a bill. 
Eobert Eoo a bill. 
William a Downe a bill. 
The somme of bowe men 4. 

bill men 4. 

almon revets complet 2 payers lacking a salet 

bowes 9. 

sheffs of arrowes 5^ 

bills and poll axes 10 

the odd splints 1 payer. 

The following is a list of all the names occurring in 
the parish registers from 1558 to 1561 inclusive: 

Ackherst 

A' Gates 

Baker 

Ballard 

Bamden 

Bayee 

Benden 

Bodell 

Bonycke 

Branden 

Brereton 

^"0 Almain Berete flight armour rivetted or buckled in the German fashion, bo 
as to be easily unfastened ; a salet = a helmet. 
^^ Sp]xata=garde d bras^axmout to protect the arms. 

L 



Bromeham 


Collyer 


Durrant 


Funell 


Brook 


Oomber 


Edwards 


Gardner 


Bryrely 


Cowper 


Fillyat 


Goselade 


Bryante 


Oroker 


Esterfild 


Gower 


Bush 


Crowch 


Fayerway 


(Gregory 


Byshopp 
Chad wick 


Daltone 


Foote 


Qrenefield 


Darbye 


Foster 


Gubbard 


aarke 


Death 


French 


Gyles 


Gockshott 


Dicksone 


Frencham 


Gynner 
Harbart 


Coker 


Drew 


Frye 


Colboume 


Dunstone 


Frytter 


Harmer 



146 



HISTOBY OF HAILSHAM. 



Harris 


Lande 


Kandall 


Stooke 


Wachman 


Harwood 


Luocas 


Rede 


Stubley 


Wakeham 


Hills 


Lucke 


Eeder 


Swayne 


Walker 


Hoad 


Martyne 


Ben 


Tanner 


Warde 


Holland 


Maunder 


Eobarts 


Tayllor 


Waterhouse 


Hollybone 


MersaU 


Eolflfe 


Tharpe 


Watte 


Hooke 


More 


Roster 


Thomas 


Whyte 


Hubbard 


Mott 


Russell 


Thunder 


Willard 


Hunte 


Myddeltone 


Shepherde 


Tomelyn 


Wood 


Inskyp 


Nicholas 


Smyth 


Treglas 
Turk 


»Wyddett 


«»Irygge 


• Osborne 


Smythsone 


Wyckins 


Jurye 


Packham 


Snowe 


Tutt 


Wyggyn 


Kenchslye 


Peylpott 
Pynelyn 


Spynner 


Twysden 


WygseU 


Kyngswyll 


St^mnener 


Unstye 


Wynter 



The two appendices at the end of this volume — 
Marriages from 1558 to 1600, and Consents of Marriage 
during the Commonwealth — also afford a considerable 
number of names for a slightly later period. The Hearth 
Tax, in the time of Charles IL, should afford information 
as to the standing of different families at that date, but the 
portion referring to this part of Sussex appears unfortu- 
nately to be lost, so we pass on to 1705, in which year the 
Poll Book gives the names of some fifty voters in Hailsham. 



John Hicks 
Edward Bodle 
Edmund Eades 
Thomas Oolebrand 
Thomas Clifford 
Oliver Mills 
Francis Betting 
John Woods 
William Woods 
Thomas Jenkin gent. 
Thomas Mascall 
Mathew Wakelyn 
Edmund Elphick 
Thomas PoUington 
William Gunner 
William Tindall 
John Tettershall, derk 



Thomas Fuller gent. 
Eichard Milton 
John Qringoe 
John Miller 
William Body 
John Tutt gent. 
George Pupp 
John Clark 
Robert Hamljn 
Edward Brasier 
Stephen Parks 
Thomas Medley jun' 

gent. 
John Lenham 
Edward Boyse 
Bichard Krawle 
Abraham Cooper 



Richard Greystock 
Thomas Weston 
John Copper 
Thomas Drew 
Samuel Waters 
Samuel Chyles 
Nicholas Sinnock 
John Oxley 
Robert Richardson 
Thomas Taylor 
Ferdinando Bryan 
John Browne 
William Akehurst 
John Browning 
Michael Woods 
"* Anthony Trumble 
gent. 



^ ThomaB de Iriche was luror for Dill c. 1315 (Assize Roll, 946), and possibly 
Robert de Yweregge of a slightly earlier period gives the original form of the 
name ; John Erridge occurs on the Michelham Ck)art Rolls of 1700. 

^ The earlier form of this name is Wythoth. 

*" Several references to Mr. Anthony Trumble will be found in the Pelham 
MSS. (Add. MSS., 33,058) ; in 1707 Lord Pelham appointed him his deputy " to 
attend yearly at the Opposal of Sheriif s at the Court of Exchequer to challenge 
and procure all fines, &c., happening within the Duchy of Lancaster and Rape of 
Pevensey ; " and in 1722 he was under sheriff of Sussex. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 147 

Finally, I have transcribed from the Churchwardens' 
Accounts the full assessment of the parish for 1780 ; this 
gives a complete list of all the landowners and the value 
of their holdings, and is also valuable for the number of 
field names mentioned. 

Hailsham Foreign Poor Book, First 2 Quarters of 1780 

at 2/3 in the £ 

Itont. 

£ B. £11. d. 

Mr. George Alfrey Part of Northlee 4 10 10 H 

Months and Greatwioks .31 3 9 9 

Mas' John Askew For his House £110 

Mr. Wm Allen For his House 3 6 9 

Mr. Baxshall For Luxfords Land 10 12 6 

42 Acres of Marsh Land. 39 4 7 9 

Part Gildredge Farm ..6 13 6 

Mr. John Bodle For his Farm 25 2 16 3 

Mr. John Bristow sen'. . Welshes 1 10 3 4J 

Part of Nockhatch .... 4 10 10 IJ 

North«^ratons 30 3 7 6 

Merrifield Stocks and 

Ooldthome 30 3 7 6 

Mr. John Bristow jun'. . Lymarks 8 18 

HolbronHill 8 18 

Mr. Barton Hywood Field 3 6 9 

32 Acres Marsh Land ..35 3 18 9 

Mr. Butler Late Pages Farm 3 6 9 

Mrs. Clarke House and Land 12 17 

Mr. Tho- Golbrand Boneys 24 2 14 

Brooks 7 10 16 lOJ 

Oollinghams 6 13 6 

Jesshams 25 2 16 3 

Pookhold 9 1 3 

Mr. Wm Colbrand Bearfields [ToMr.Hurdis 

£9] 7 10 16 lOi 

Mr. Curie His House 2 4 6 

Mr. Clapson His House 110 3 4^ 

His Land 12 1 7 

Mr. Carey jun' Coppards 15 113 9 

lateMphicks 2 4 6 

Mrs. Crowhurst Vineals 7 10 16 lOJ 

Mr. Hy. Crowhurst P of Ockley Wood 4 10 10 H 

Mr. Carder His Farm 21 2 7 3 

Tattersalls [£9] 10 1 2 6 

Mr. Collins Teal Marshes 40 4 10 

Mr. Collier Land at Tile lodge 20 2 5 

Mr. Coleman His House 2 4 6 

Widow Daw Her House 110 3 4J 

Mr. W» English For thawyers 35 3 18 9 

L 2 



148 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Bout. 

— Fuller Eaq Northeath 6 18 6 

Mr. Freeman Marahfoot 43 4 16 9 

Oruttendens 20 2 5 

Mr. Gilbert P of Ockley Wood .... 4 10 10 1 J 

Mr. Eichard Gouldsmith House 2 4 6 

PlumereLand 14 1 11 6 

Mr. Jno. Gx)wer Wrattens House 1 10 ^ ^i 

The Rev^ Mr. Hooper . . Parsonage 39 4 7 9 

Milland 15 1 13 9 

Mr. Eich'* Hamlin His House and Farm . . 28 10 3 4 1^ 

Mr. Holmwood the Hale 4 9 

Brays Wish 12 7 

Mr. Hurdis House and Croft 6 18 6 

Stonestreetes 9 1 3 

Wilpins 110 3 4J 

[Bearfields 9] 

Mr. James Hilder P* of Downash 50 5 2 6 



Mr. Henry Huneysett 

Mr. Hapgood 

Mr. Huggett 

Mr. Henry Hastings 



Coggers 3 6 9 

His House 1 2 8 

His House 3 6 9 

Groves and Limers .... 27 309 

the Pins 4 9 

House and Plots 8 6 9 

Spencers&cMr. H.Mason 40 4 10 

Mr. Hollands Boot House 110 8 4^ 

Mr. John Jenner Morriss's Land 6 18 6 

Mr. Walter Jenner House and Croft 1 10 3 4J 

Mr. Thomas James .... His House 110 3 4^ 

Mr. Jno. Inskip His House 1 2 8 

Mr. Geo. Inskip His House 1 2 8 

Mr. James Jenner .... His House 2 4 6 

Mr. Knieves Vigors 3 6 9 

Mr. Henry King House 1 2 8 

Mr. Wm. King Northlee 7 10 16 10^ 

Speakes 4 9 

Mrs. Luxford Her House 6 18 6 

Vemons 7 10 16 10^ 

Mr. Laugham Grasstocks 48 10 4 17 10| 

Doubles Land 2 10 5 7^ 

Knights Field 15 1 8| 

Eeed8Land£22 18 2 6 

Boys Land 7 10 16 lOJ 

EidweUs 6 18 6 

Mr. Eich'* Lamb Poundfields 50 5 12 6 

Geo. Medley Esq Hawkes Wood 4 10 10 IJ 

Mr. Gerrad Mason .... Eushey Marshes 80 3 7 6 

Mr. Henry Mason Doubles Wood 4 10 10 1 J 

the Dens 10 10 1 8 7^ 

Northley 10 12 6 

[Spencers &c 40] 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 149 

Rent. 

£ B. £ B. d. 

Mr. John Matthews Gbasstocks 15 1 13 9 

Mr. Merricks His House 5 11 3 

Mr. W" Mainard His House 110 3 4^ 

His Field 1 2 3 

Martin His House 3 6 9 

Viney and Kirby Crofts . 5 10 12 4i 

the Readings 3 6 9 

Mr. Noakes Magham Farm 43 4 16 9 

LordPelham Tilehurst Wood 24 2 14 

Mrs. Pattenden Harmers Hay 15 113 9 

Manders 4 10 10 IJ 

Little Dens 5 11 3 

Wenmores 14 1 11 6 

Mr. John Putland His House 110 3 4^ 

Squabs Brook 110 3 4^ 

Mr. Purse^ove Marshland 2 10 5 7^ 

Mr. Peter Felling 

Mr. John Eeed .... 

The Widow Reed.. 

Mr. Sam. Rickman 



Green Field Marsh 12 1 7 

House and Croft 1 2 8 

House and Land 2 4 6 

Amfields 12 1 7 

Part Hellingly Park 3 6 9 

Mancers 20 2 5 

Lubber Hall 20 2 5 

late Tomkins 2 4 6 

New House 1 10 3 4^ 

Mas' Rich** Rousts House 2 

Mr. Smith Marsh Land 2 10 5 7^ 

Mr. Shelley House, &c 5 11 3 

Ruff Lands 18 2 6 

late Browns Farm 10 12 6 

little Bitts 3 6 9 

Pages House, &c 1 10 3 4 J 

Mrs. Stephens Her House 2 4 6 

Mr. Jno. Sinnock His House 6 13 6 

Buttons House, &c. [John 

Brown] 3 6 9 

Mr. Swain Scorewells 10 1 2 6 

Polegate 7 10 16 lOJ 

Mr. Thomas Tourle Vigors 15 113 9 

Howards Upland 10 1 2 6 

Mr. Tayler, sen' the Pooles 3 6 9 

Mr. Edw. Tanner Hawks Land 15 2 9J 

Mr. Thorpe His House 3 6 9 

Mas' Tester His House 110 3 4J 

Mas' Terry His House 110 3 4^ 

Mr. Tho- Tutt His House 3 6 9 

Bushkey 7 10 16 lOJ 

Deadlands 3 6 9 

Tomsetts 9 1 3 

Brownings 4 9 



150 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



Beat. 

£ B. £ n. d. 



Newtona 16 1 16 

the Picks 4 9 

Mr. Henry Walker .... Stokers 7 10 16 lOJ 

Mr. Henry Weller .... Brownings 1310 110 4^ 

Widow Weller Her Land 10 10 1 8 7i 

Mr. W" Weller His Farm 18 2 6 

Wildcrofts 10 1 2 6 

Vines Marshes 6 13 6 

Thomas Willard, Esq... His Wood 3 6 9 

Mr. Henry Woods His House 110 3 4^ 

Mr. John Woods His House 110 3 4^ 

Mr. Eich** Wood His House 1 10 3 4i 

Butterwedges 4 10 10 1^ 

Widow Wood Burgesses 4 10 10 1^ 

Stoneefields 1 10 3 4^ 

Mr. Wenham the Mines 9 1 3 

Mr. John Walker Gurrs Field 2 4 6 



Total of y* 2 first Quarters Foreign Book, 1780. . 1539 10 173 3 lOJ 

Hailsham Liberty Poor Book 

Mr. Allfrey part of Ambrose 12 1 7 

Mr. W» Body Oatham Farm 76 10 8 12 IJ 

Mr. Button 16 Acres Marsh Land . . 14 1 11 6 

Mr. Bodle His Marshes 12 1 7 

Mr. Bennett Bodinghams 22 2 9 6 

Mr. Bristow sen' Tutts Land 70 7 17 6 

FofWestcroft 110 3 4^ 

theFrys 3 15 8 5^ 

Little Bametts 3 10 7 lOJ 

Mr. Bristow jun' Bodies and Plodys 6 13 6 

Eousts Marsh 1 2 3 

J. Calveiy Esq' Dartys 15 113 9 

Mr. W" Colbrands .... 9 acres of Marsh [Mr. 

Hurdis£7] 6 13 6 

Mr. Colgate 14 acres of Land 10 1 2 6 

Mr. Crowhurst Searland 30 3 7 6 

King's Wishes 9 1 3 

Golemans House &c . . . . 2 4 6 

Mr. Henry Crowhurst . . Looes Marsh 45 5 1 3 

Mr. Carey jun' Spy Marshes 15 113 9 

Mr. Jasper Dan Chilley Marsh 7 10 16 10^ 

Mr. Fuller Brays Wish 13 1 9 3 

Mr. Fielder Holmes Marshes 44 4 19 

Moselays 8 18 

— Fuller Esq Collinghams 10 1 2 6 

Mr. Freeman Walland Marsh 3 6 9 

Mr. Gower Bear and Franks 

Marsh 22 2 9 6 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 151 

Bent. 

£ B. £ 8. d. 

Mr. David Guy Footers 20 2 5 

Mr. Gk)rmge Chafinches 3 6 9 

Mr. Eich^ Gouldsmitli . . Plumers Upland 26 • 2 18 6 

The Rev** Mr. Hooper . . Bast Mershee 39 4 7 9 

Mr. W» Hicks Littie Milland 11 1 4 9 

Mr. Walter Hicks 40 acres Marsh Land . . 35 3 18 9 

Lands &c 6 13 6 

Mr. Bobert Holmwood . part of Blackwells .... 3 69 

Mr. Eich** Holmwood . . His Land 24 2 14 

Mr. Hilder part of Downash 70 7 17 6 

Mr. Hurdis the Profits 8 18 

Carpenters 10 1 2 6 

Mr. Hall Burgehill Thatchers Marsh 53 5 19 3 

Mr. Hastings Chandlers 40 4 10 

Mr. John Inskip P of BlackweUs 2 10 5 7J 

Mr. Eich"* King New Bridge Marsh 16 1 16 

Mr. Lamb Fullers Land 18 2 6 

Mr. Liillham Lugear 15 113 9 

Mr. Langham Bametts and Plodys . . 24 2 14 

Homestall Marshes 26 2 18 6 

Mr. Lingham Fullers Land 50 5 12 6 

Mr. Sam. Matthews .... House 1 2 3 

Mr. Jno. Matthews Grasstocks 15 113 9 

Mr. W™ Newman Parsons Marsh 4 9 

Guners 20 2 5 

Mr. Stephen Parks Shadwells \. 11 1 4 9 

Mr. Jno. Pattenden .... Stores and Capstocks ... 43 416 9 

Tjong Marsh 3 6 9 

Mr. Eich** Pattenden . . the Farthings 6 13 6 

Mr. John Pope Hammonds 3 6 9 

Thawyers and Kensleys .8 18 

Mr. Peters Cheese House Marsh . . 50 5 12 6 

Mr. Tho'Eoads Poundfields 12 17 

Mr. W" Sampson F of the Salts 5 11 3 

Part of Westlewens 20 2 5 

Mr. Shelley Pelship 10 1 2 6 

TunbeUs 1 2 3 

Mr. Strutfield 32 Acres of Land 23 2 11 9 

Mr. Shoesmith Cockshota 7 15 9 

Mr. Tho'Tutt Joys Marsh 8 18 

Trefts 7 15 9 

Mr. Tho» Tourle Dabs Marsh 16 10 1 17 IJ 

14 Acres of Marsh 10 12 6 

Howards Upland 8 18 

Mr. John Tourle His Marsh 38 4 5 6 

Mr. Walter Woodhams . Great Milland 23 2 11 9 

Mr. White Land at downaah 36 4 10 

Widow Wood Stonestreets 4 9 

Mr. Eichard Wood Dabs Marsh 3 6 9 

Mr. W» Weller Beasom 2 4 6 



152 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Rent. 
£ B. £ s. d. 

Mr. Hen. Weller Brownings 2 5 5 OJ 

Mr. Jno. Walker House, &c 1 2 3 



Total Two First Quarters Liberty Poor Book, 1 780 .. 1 377 1 54 1 8 3 

Foreign Book . .1539 10 173 3 10^ 

Total.. £2916 10 £328 2 1^ 
Expenses of 2 first Quarters as above. . 215 10 1^ 

In hand £112 12 

The year 1780 has been merely arbitrarily chosen as 
an example ; the annual assessments extend thirty years 
on either side of this date. There is also amongst the 
original deeds in the Sussex Archaeological Society's 
collection at Lewes a similar assessment made in 1717 
for Hailsham Foreign only. The field names in this are 
very much the same as in the example given above, but 
of course many of the owners' names are different ; the 
most interesting items are: **M' Cole present OflScer of 
Ale, M' Poleard present OflScer of Leather," each of 
whom is entered at £48 per annum. In this connection 
I may mention that the registers record the burial of two 
*^ oflScers of Excise," Joseph Home in 1705 and Ralph 
Box in 1708. These oflScers were no doubt kept pretty 
busy, as owing to the proximity of Pevensey Bay — a 
great smuggling centre — Hailsham played a considerable, 
though unobtrusive, part in this illicit traflSc, and we still 
have among us men who have helped to run cargoes and 
who have come in rough contact with the ^* Customers" 
and, in at least one case, with their cutlasses. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Akehurst. — This family, of which members may be 
found in many parishes of East Sussex, takes its name 
from an estate m Hellingly. The first notice of the 
name in connection with Hailsham is in 1528, when 
Richard and Robert Akeherst are mentioned as holding 
land in Morbrook Quarter; Nicholas Akeherst, the son 
of this Robert, held the land in 1563 and is probably 
the same as Nicholas Acres, who by his will, written and 
witnessed by Mr. Reginald Bourcye, in 1582, left ** to the 
reparacions of the church 20*." One Thomas Akerst, 
cooper, made his will in 1552, leaving ^*to the poore 
so\des box 12*" and mentioning ''the howsse wherin I 
dwell with the forge in Haylsham strett." John Akehurst, 
senior, occurs as juror on an ^inquisition in 1559 ; and 
Edward Akeherst, who held land in Hailsham in 1563, 
was juror at the *** Court of Ludley in 1576. Thomas 
Akeherste, yeoman, who died in 1599, was father of the 
Thomas Akehurst, jurat, who bequeathed 3s. 4d. '' unto 
the reparacyons of the churche of Haylsham" in 1612, 
in which year he was churchwarden, as were Edward 
Akehurst in 1620 and Thomas Ackhurste in 1663. John 
Akehurst of Downash is mentioned in the Parliamentary 
sui-vey of 1650, as is also John Akeherst of Crawle, 

Sent., whose daughter Anne married Richard Lewes and 
ied about 1680. In the poll book of 1705 William 
Akehurst appears ; and the name is still to be found in 
the parish. 

ATTE WoDE or A'WooD. — The first of the family that 
I have met with is Remigius de Bosco, witness to Sir 
Robert Marmion's charter, c. 1230. *"In 1287 the 
Hundred of Thylle present ^* 12* deodand of a log of 
wood by which William atte Wood was struck and killed 
in the park of Sperton." Thomas atte Wode made a 
grant of land in Haylesham to Michelham Priory in 

a» Chancery Inq., Vol. 126, No. 134. 

«« Duchy of Lane. Court RoUb, 126, No. 1,884. 

»7 ABsize RoU, 924. 



154 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

1332, and another"® Thomas was portreeve of Pevensey 
in 1357. John atte Wode was juror on an inquisition in 
1371 and witness to a ^deed in 1397, in which year 
Walter ate Wode also witnessed a deed. This Walter 
was mentioned in the subsidy of 1375 and in 1395 was 
associated with Simon Perchynge in a **" grant to Agnes 
and Matilda, daughters of Nicholas Wynan, of lands in 
Hailsham and Horseye. Thomas atte Wode occurs in 
various ^ deeds from 1418 to 1430 and Thomas and 
William are ***jurors in 1446, and the same Thomas 
occurs with Mathew and Alice atte Wode as resident in 
Hailsham in 1450. John a Wode, who occurs in a 
*** subsidy of 1624, and Joan his wife obtained a lease of 
lands in Otham in 1 508 ; Richard a Wodd is mentioned 
in the Muster Roll of 1539; and the will of Edward 
A' Wood, made in 1592, is preserved at Lewes. After 
this date the name seems to have become simply Wood. 

AvEREY. — This name, which has a large number of 
variants, appears to be derived from the Christian name 
Alfred, one Avery Aghteman appearing, with William 
Avery and others, as a baron of Pevensey about 1315. 
The lands called Avereys are in the survey of 1563 
termed Alveries and the names Alvery, Alvered, Elvered 
and Alfrey will be found in the Consents of Marriage ; 
these are evidently variations of the same, and another 
appears in Alfrich, in the subsidy of 1373, which again 
is the same as the Alfryrch of the Nonae return, in which 
also John Averay is found. The earliest case in which I 
have found the name is on the Assize Roll for 1278 : 
***^' Alan le Clerck father of Edith le Clerck was seised 
of land in Hailsham, of which Nicholas le Masun has 4 
acres, Ralph atte Eston and John Horewe 6 acres and 
Richard Averey 3^ acres." In 1587 Richard A very e 
was juror and tithing man for Hailsham at Ludley Court 
and in 1639 the will of John Averie, brickmaker, was 
written and witnessed by Richard Coulman, who per- 

«w Orig. T^IiniBters' Accts., 1,028, 3. ^ Thorpe's Battle Abbey Charters. 

« " S.A.C.," Vol. XXTT. >*« Dy. of Lane. Inq., Vol. I., 48. 

i« Ancient Deeds, C. 1,342. >*» Lay Subsidy, Jf*. 

M4 Aaaze Koll, 916. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 155 

formed the same services for several other contemporary 
parishioners. 

BoDLE or BoTHEL. — There are more references to this 
family — ^who take their name from the hamlet of Bodle 
Street, near Herstmonceux — ^in connection with Hailsham 
than to any other and, with the exception of the Willards, 
they cover a greater length of time, extending from the 
commencement of the fourteenth century down to the 
present time. Probably the first reference is an undated 
note of the manumission of ***^** Alan Bothel and Michael 
Bothel of Childherst, serfs," by the Abbot of Bayham. 
But the first member of the family whose date is known is 
Justin de Bothel, or de Bodil, *** ^* of the port of Pevensey 
who (with others) is setting out with the king " — on an 
expeaition to France in 1313. William and John Bothel 
occur on the Subsidy Roll of 1384, and Robert Bothel is 
witness to deeds in *^ 1397 and **®1399. After this there 
is a considerable interval before the next appearance of 
the name, which is in 1 524, when Amowld Bodyll appears 
in a subsidy of the Hundred of Dill. Thomas Bodle is 
mentioned in the Muster Roll, 1539, and Edward Bodell 
and John Bodell, mason, both occur as owning land in 
Hailsham in **^1585. There are a number of wills at 
Lewes relating to this family : 1569, John Bodle, men- 
tion of *'a shoppe joyning to the churchrayle which I 
lately bought of Thomas Bret ; " 1570, Thomas Boodell, 
yeoman, *'to be buried in the church of Haylsham" — 
mention of '*niy house where Arnold Harbart now 
dwelleth — a crofte called Potters which I hold of John 
Foote gentillman — y* Sextens crofte that I holde of my 
L Bouckherst — my Barnes and house and crofte that I 
call the Persons bame" — and bequest of ^'one quame 
to grynd malt." Nicholas Bodle was Headborough for 
Hailsnam at Ludley Court in 1587 and church wai'den in 
1608. In 1609 Nicholas, son of Arnold Bodle, butcher 
(who had married Joan Gates in 1589), apprenticed 
nimself to Philip Renne of Pevensey, blacksmith ; this 

^ Add. MSS., 6,037. >*' " S.A.C.," Vol. XXII. 

"« Close Bolls, 60 Edw. H. [Cal,']. «« Ancient Deeds, C. 1,342. 

^ Add. MSS., 33,058. 



156 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

is probably the Nicholas who occtirs — ^with five other 
members of the family — in the survey of Ersham Manor 
in 1625, and is also identical with Nicholas Bodell of 
Townash (i.e., Downash), whose son Richard was buried 
in 1643. To this period belong three more wills : 1638, 
John Bodle, butcher, mentions '* lands adjoyning Hail- 
sham Common commonly known as y^ Deadiands— land 
called Wovers in occupation of William Lullam — land 
called Bamett containing 34 acres ; " 1638, Thomas 
Bodle, butcher (''a shop called the Slaughter house, 
formerly Thomas Bodle's, is mentioned in the Michelham 
Court book of 1707), leaves ''to the poore 40" — to the 
reparacons of Hailsham church 40*;" 1639, John Bodle, 
butcher, leaves " to the repay ring of the church 10* — to 
Thomas Bodle my brother 10 acres of Marshland called 
Whitemershe and 5 acres of upland lying over against 
the house of Thomas Cockshutt and an other parcell of 
land called Pigmeares with house and croft, paying 
therefore threescore pounds to Henry Kenchly — to 
Abraham Bodle my brother, Broome land." Abraham 
Bodle, '' chantler," was churchwarden in 1616 and 1639. 
Many other references will be found in the index. 

CocKSHOTT. — This curious name is probably derived 
from " Cockshoot," a local term for a sluice. Richard 
Cokesych of the Nonae inquisition may have been an 
ancestor of the family ; Thomas Cockshote, we have seen, 
was executor to Thomas Altofte in 1506, and Alan Cock- 
shatt, or Cockshete, was a landowner in 1528 and 1540. 
John Cockshott, husbandman, by his will of 1603, left 
'' to thirty e of the poorest of the parrishe of Hailsham 
ten shillings, f oure pence a peece — towards the reparacons 
of the church 5"" and mentions ''a crofte called Muskettes 
— marsh lande called BuUocke." 

CoBBE. — This family was chiefly connected with the 
adjoining parish of Arlington, but in one or two cases 
come into touch with Hailsham. ^In 1397 John Cobbe 
granted land in Erlyngton to John Melker of Morbroke, 
and in 1486 William Cobbe held certain land in Arlington 

«" " S.A.C.,'* Vol. XXTT. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 157 

by grant of Giles Cobbe of Hailsham. Two wills of 
Hailsham members of the family are at Lewes ; that of 
John Cobbe, 1545, is written in Latin: ^^I will that my 
executors distribute 20' to the poor in this manner, on 
the day of my burial 6" 8*, on my month's day 6' 8^, and 
on the anniversary 6** 8*, and I will that 3 masses be 
celebrated on each of these occasions ; " further, he leaves 
to his son John a black cow and a pair of sheets and a 
*^ blankette." The other will is that of Nicholas Cobbe, 
yeoman, 1609, who appoints ^^my brother-in-lawe John 
Wood Parson of Chaunton (Chalvington) to be overseer, 
and I doo give unto him a peece of golde of 20* for his 
paynes." 

UoLBRAND. — As earlv as 1260 Thomas Colebrand was 
"^^ juror for Dill hundred, but the name is chiefly associated 
with Wartling and Herstmonceux till the eighteenth 
century, when it occurs fairly frequently in Hailsham. 
A variation of the name which is still found in the parish 
is shown in the apprenticeship (1601) of Rachel daughter 
of Matthew Colbran to Thomas Gattes, carpenter. Three 
members of the family occur in the following will of 1702: 
*^ I widdow Dimmock do give unto my son Thomas 
Colebrand one bedd Tick and one boulster tick. I give 
unto my son John Colebrand one peece of Gold one 
Silver spoon and one Gold Ring. And unto my son 
William Colebrand I give all the rest of my Gooas and 
money except one Dammas Coate and one leas Hanketcher 
and one Capp and *^^Quaife and this I give to Hanna 
Simmons and this is my will." 

Ceoppe. — Alwin le Crop occurs in the Bayham 
Chartulary as holding land of Ralph de Dene, about 
1200 (Alan Cropp was witness to Sir Robert Marmion's 
charter, c. 1230); and about the same date Galfrid de 
St. Leger granted to Otteham Abbey his serf Eadward 
Creppe, probably one of the same family. A century 
later, 1305, John Crop appears as a benefactor of 

»i AsBize BoU, 912. 

^ Quaife = Coif, a kind of cap ; similarly in 1622 Maiy TindaU, widow, leares 
'*to Elizabeth Frenohe mj best neckerchief, one quoife, one Crosdoth and a 
smocke.*' 



158 HISTORY OP HAIL8HAM. 

Bayham Abbey, and by an undated deed of the same 
period Walter Crop received a corrody from that abbey 
on condition that he should remain in their service and 
that his goods should pass to the abbey on his death. 
Walter and William Croppe appear as barons of Pevensey 
in 1311 and 1316, and another William, with Robert and 
John Crop, is mentioned in the Nonae return of 1341, 
while we have already had a notice of William and 
Robert Crop in the Assize Roll of 1352. The connection 
of this family with Hailsham appears to cease with the 
fourteenth century, the last reference being a erant, 
already mentioned, in 1369 of land at Blakewelle by 
Robert Crop to Nicholas Wynam, but curiously enougn 
the name is found in the sixteenth century at Aylsham 
in Norfolk. 

Deewe. — This name originates from the Saxon 
Christian name Dru, more often met with in the Latinized 
form of Drogo. One Drui was tenant of land in Otteham 
about 1200, and it is in connection with Otham that the 
only two references previous to the sixteenth century 
occur; John Drew obtaining a lease of the Manor of 
Otham in 1405 and Thomas Drewe of Otham, yeoman, 
being one of those involved in Cade's rebellion in 1459. 
John Drew held land in Morbroke Quarter in 1528 and 
Thomas Drewe by his will, dated 1544, left ^^Swynes" 
— held of Otham Manor — to his son Thomas. ^In 1629 
Robert Drew of the Rape of Pevensey paid £10 as com- 
position for knighthood ; and in 1667 consent of marriage 
between Elizabeth Drewe, widow, and Thomas Atweil, 
husbandman, was published, but forbidden after the 
second time by the same Elizabeth. The name is found 
in the eighteenth century and, I believe, still. 

EsTERFiELD is a name that occurs in the Hailsham 
registers very frequently during the sixteenth century. 
In a *" subsidy of the Hundred of Dill levied in 1524 
John Esterfelde is assessed at £7 " in goods," a sum only 
passed by some half a dozen out of the seventy names 
given; he was witness to Robert Wy Hard's will m 1528, 

«« " S.A.C.," Vol. XVI. «* Lay Subeidy, Jff. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 159 

and in 1546 John Esterfyld paid 16* " for lands " towards 
a "^monthly contribution, and, finally, John Esterfyld, 
yeoman, by his will of 1557 desired '^ to be buryed in 
the church of Haylsham before the chaunselles dor " and 
left "to the church aforesaid for broking the ground 
6» 8*." Thomas Esterfylde in his will, 1572, gave 
" towards the reparons of the churche of Haylsham 3' 4^ 
. . . Also I will 20* to be distributed among the poore 
people at my bury all, 10® of it in monye and 10" in 
breade and drincke." Amongst his other legacies are 
"a quysshon of feathers, 2 porrengers of pewter, and a 
^ christening sheate." According to a ^^ military subsidy 
of the Rape of Pevensey, made in 1583, five Hailsham 
men had to provide one light horse apiece, but Thomas 
Esterfylde is put down for two. 

Fennell or A'Fennell. — This name also belongs 
chiefly to the sixteenth century. John Avenell was 
juror on an *** inquisition at Hailsham in 1559 and is 
probably the same as ^^ John Affenell, who obtained land 
in Hailsham from Thomas Devenish in 1547. Simon 
Afltenell in 1663 held Averies, Barnets and Sereland, and 
in the Pevensey book of rentals for 1537 Simon Fennell 
is entered as holding Avereys, till then accredited to the 
New Priory. This Simon was probably father to John 
Fennell of Hailsham, baillie of Pevensey, who owned, 
as appears by his will of 1604, ^^land called Serlande 
and Cocke . . . Redgat and DowUand alias Swynes — 
and Auferyes;" he also owned the "manner house called 
Filching," in Jevington parish, and desired "to be buried 
in the church of Jevington." The will of John Fennell, 
merchant, 1638, is also preserved at Lewes; and in 
the Parliamentary survey of 1650 James Fennell of 
Willingdon occurs as lessee of some of the lands in 
Hailsham belonging to the Manor of Pevensey. 

«« Lay Subsidy, Hi- 

^ Similarly in the will of Bridget Peirse : <' as for the Christening thinges the 
sheate and mantle and facecloathe it is my will that it shall bee betwixt my two 
daoghters and my soune James for theire use.** 

»7 Harleian MSS., 703. 

>" Chancery Inq., Vol. 126. 

«" Feet of Fines, 1« Edw. VI., Trin. 88 ICal.^. 



160 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

Foster. — The Fosters were one of the leading families 
of yeomanry during the sixteenth century, the first 
member of whom we have notice being John Foster, of 
the Hundred of Dill, assessed in 1524 at £6 "in goods;" 
in the muster roll of 1539 he appears as having more 
armour than any others in the ust, and was evidently 
one of the larger landowners in the parish, as in a 
*^ subsidy of 1546 his is one of the five names given 
under Hailsham, he paying "for lands" 2s. 4d. ; the 
other names are : " The Vicar of Hailsham for his 
vicaredge there 3* 4*, John Deane, 8*, John Esterfyld 
16^ Richard Tutte 8^" John Foster died in 1552 and 
Agnes his widow made her will in 1554, leaving " to my 
servant Elizabeth 3* 4* and a WhytteU and a shete and 
my best peticote. Item I give to Agnes the wyff of 
Thomas Sander my Russett petycote." The will of 
Edmund Foster, 1566, also exists at Lewes ; he was one 
of the "able bill-men" in 1539. We have seen that 
Thomas Foster held a portion of the lands of the rectory 
in 1576, and **^Burrell records that an inquisition was 
made at Arundel in 1604, by which it appeared that 
"Thomas Foster of Hailsham, yeoman, died 2 March 
44** Elizabeth seised of a capital messuage &c in Hayle- 
sham called Marshfoote and divers lands holden of the 
king in chief by knight service; he left daughter and 
heir Martha then aged 21, who died 21 June 44** Elizabeth, 
having married Ashburnham Peake of Haylisham, gent." 
In the description of the rectory lands in 1576 Nicholas 
Foster's name occurs constantly as owner of the neigh- 
bouring marsh land and in the same year he was juror at 
Ludley, and in a *^* subsidy also of the same date he is 
assessed at £14 '^in goods" — ^more than three times as 
much as any other Hailsham man paid. In 1585 was 
made a *^®** Taxation of Hundred of Dill for subsidie. 
Assessed and taxed by John Courthopp, gent. Nicholas 
Foster, Thomas Mylles, Arnowle Herbert, John Marck- 
wycke, Richard Chilley and Elias Tompkyn ; " in which, 
under Haylsham half -hundred, *^ The Assessors — Nicholas 

«» Lay Subsidy, }}»• *" Lay Subsidy, JJg. 

« Add. M8S., 6,681. >» Add. MSS., 33,058. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 161 

Foster in lands £15, Amowle Herbert in ffoods £6, 
William Fayreway in goods £4." In the ^military 
subsidy for Kape of Pevensey in 1583 Nicholas Foster 
of Hailsham has to supply one Lighthorse; and the 
register for 1589 records that Nicholas Foster was buried 
in the church. His daughter Mary — ^he had married 
Annis Luck in 1561 — ^married William Stonestreet in 
1605. After the reign of Elizabeth the family do not 
seem to have played any important part in the parish ; 
Robert Foster, cutler, made his will in 1611, and Stephen 
Foster was parish clerk in 1614; Suzanna daughter of 
Stephen Foster married Thomas Baker, '^ haberdasher of 
hatts," as appears from his will of 1613, in which his 
daughter Bethia is also mentioned. 

Fry.— *«^In 1278 the Hundred of Thille present that 
" Nicholas le Frye of Halesham used to do service at the 
hundred court on the two lawedayes but has withdrawn 
his service for the last five years, for which he is fined 
10' of gold and put in mercv.^' John Frye occurs in the 
Nonae returns and John ana Nicholas Frye in the subsidy 
of 1373, and the name is found fairly frequently at later 
dates. As the land called "the Fry" in the Parlia- 
mentary Survey is called " the Fryt" in 1563 it is possible 
that «»Thomas de Frith (1278), «^Richard atte Frith 
(1331), and *»Richard atte Fryht (1377) may have been 
members of this family. 

Giles. — In 1657 Samuel Giles issued a farthing token 
(now extremely rare) : 

Obv, SAICVELL • OnXES 8. E. G. 

BeV. OF • HBL8HAM • MERGER 1657. 

This would appear to have been issued more or less to 
celebrate his marriage, as in April, 1657, he married 
Elizabeth Winter of Hastings, whose initial (e.) is placed 
on the coin. Samuel Giles and Samuel Gyles, jun., were 
witnesses to an indenture of apprenticeship in 1680, and 

>M Harleian M8S., 703. ^ Assize RoU, 921. 

«• Assize RoU, 916. *» Inq. p.m., 6° Edw. IH., p. 2, 136. 

« Inq. p.m., SI® Edw. HI., p. 2, 49. 

M 



162 mSTOBT OF HAIL8HAM. 

one of the two was churchwarden in 1697 and voted in 
the election of 1705. 

Hartnup. — William Hartnup issued, about 1660, the 
only other Hailsham token : 

Obv. wiLiJAH . HABTNVP • OP • The (Jrocers' Arms. 

BeV. JIAUMHAU ' IN • SUSSEX • ^ W. E. H. 

This token is also very rare. The issuer was buried 
in September, 1675. 

Halsham. — This armigerous family is now usually 
considered to be a branch of the Lincolnshire family of 
that name, but was derived by both Cartwright and Lower 
from Hailsham, the latter stating in his " Patronymica 
Britannica" that the family flourished at Hailsham in the 
fourteenth century. I am rather afraid that he meant 
they ought to have flourished there then ; at any rate, I 
have not met with any traces of them except that 
^Burrell states that "the manor of Brabome in Kent 
. . . descendedto John Halsham of Halsham in Sussex" 
in 1375. This, I suppose, is the John Haylsham who 
was *^*^knight of the shire in 1373. This latter spelling 
certainly favours the local derivation and still more is 
this the case with Robert de Haylsham, knight of the 
shire between 1353 and 1363. 

Harmeb. — This family, who are still represented in 
the parish, probablv took that name from the Harmere 
mentioned m the allowing case from the "'^ Assize Roll 
of 1260: 

Mabel wife of Heniy Cnoeke (of Knock-Hatoh) having been 
abducted bj Oalfrid Kercharme of Arenden in Kent, Heniy de Knocke 
her husband, Thomas de la Knocke his brother, Thomas le Somenir of 
Lewes, Alexander ate Doune of Erlington, Bichard Trachard and 
Simon de Orute of Haylesham came and, with the consent of Mabel, 
slew Oalfrid, placed his body on his own horse and carried the body 
from la Knooke to Harmere, and fled. No Englishry was presented ; 
so the hundred is in mercy. 

Amongst the same presentments of the Hundred of 
Dill occurs the name of Ralph de Hermeresey, and the 
corrupted form ^^Harmers hay" occurs in the 1717 

*» Add. MSS., 5,681. «w « Horafield'B History of Suflsex." 

>Ti Assize Roll, 912. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM* 163 

assessment of the foreign part of Hailsham and may be 
identical with Harmannyshay, apparently near Moor- 
brook, held by Michelham f riory at the dissolution. 
Anthony Harmer by his will of 1553 left '^to Elizabeth 
my daughter my little possenett ... I bequeth to my 
son Thomas all my tooles but I wyll that he shall leave 
an axe with my wyff." Thomas Harmer, the elder, was 
assessed in 1576 at 20* '^in lands," and was juror at 
Ludley the same year. Agnes Slater, widow, bequeathed 
in 1556 "to Agnes Harmer widow my best "*sede 
petycote, a new nekercher, a double vayle, a new kercher 
and my best cappe." 

HoLLAMBY. — John HoUambv, a native of Frant, but 
resident almost all his life in Hailsham, where he worked 
in the mill, issued through the Hailsham Press in 1827 a 
small volume of verse, entitled "The Unlettered Muse," 
of which a second edition was issued in 1829. It is not 
my province to pronounce on poetry, but personally I 
consider that, though of course this poor working-man 
was no great genius, still he was not far inferior to 
another better known Sussex poet — Hayley; in fact, I 
will go further and say that in one or two cases he 
displays distinct poetic feeling. Geering devotes a 
chapter to him and his works, and one proof of HoUamby's 
good sense is that he never printed the punning poem 
quoted by Geering from one of his manuscripts. 

Kenchley. — Several members of this family were 
yeomen and considerable landowners during the sixteenth 
and seventeenth centuries, the first mentioned being 
Richard Kenchsley of the Hundred of Dill in 1524. 
Contemporary with him was William Kentisley, who was 
lessee of the manor of Otham in 1526 and lord of that 
manor in 1535. Besides this William, Thomas, John 
and Edmund Kentysley occur as holding land in Otham 
Quarter in 1528 ; of these, John was probably the son 
and heir of William, who succeeded to the manor of 
Otham on his father's death in 1558. Possibly Elenor 
Kensley, who made her will in 1542, was wife to the said 

»7> 8ede=8ilk. 

u 2 



164 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

William, as she had a son John : " I bequeth to the hye 
auter for my obits and f orgetyng tythes 6*. It' I wyll 
have at my Duryal 3 masses and at my monthes mynde 
3 masses and at my yeremind 3 masses. ... To John 
Kensley my son my gretyst brass pott, to Nicholas my 
son the next brass pott, and to Jone my dowghter my 
great kettell, and the next kettell to Agnes my dowghter 
.... Witnessed by, Roger Wallwav prest, and John 
Robert clerke." John Kentsley of Otnam, yeoman, by 
his will of 1563 desired *^ to be buryed in Y parryshe 
churche of Hayllsame under my seate ther ; " and left to 
his brother Richard " the tenement called Ambrosse with 
40 acres of land in Haylesham and Jevington," and to 
his wife the ^'mannor of Ottham; and Poundfold con- 
taining 20 acres; land called Daddyngtons containing 
21 acres partly in Foyngton; and pycke byre 4 acres." 
The Richard here mentioned is no doubt the Richard 
Kennesley who held land in the Liberty portion of the 
parish in 1563 ; he had married in 1559 Elizabeth Jurye, 
probably a daughter of Richard Jurye, yeoman, who in 
1557 bequeathed ''to the poor of Haylsham 5 marcs, to 
the poor of Chyttyngleygh 5 marcs, to the poor of Hodlye 
5 nobles ... to the hyghway making in parish of 
Hodlye betwene the churche and John Jurye s howsse 
5 nobles;" we have seen that at Ludley Court in 1576 
Richard Kenslye was fined for not having drained the 
road near Swines Hill. His son was probably John 
Kenchley of Amberons, buried in 1604, who desired in 
his will of the same year "to bee buryed within the 
church of Hailsham;" he had been churchwarden in 
1602. Abraham Kensley, brother of the above Richard, 
appears to have obtainea the manor of Otham previous 
to 1567 — in which year he, with William Kensley, sold 
certain demesnes lands thereof — ^probably by the bequest 
of John Kenchley's widow; and in 1601 Abraham 
Kenchley left the manor to his nephew, James Snow. 

The registers record the burial of John son of 
Richard Kenchley, jurats, in 1614 ; and in 1620 Richard 
Kencheley, yeoman, left directions for his body to be 
buried in Hailsham, where so many of his predecessors 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 165 

lay. Another Richard appears as witness to the will of 
Miles Hodson of 1625 and as a freeholder of Ersham 
manor in 1635 and 1640. Abraham Kenchley of Otham 
appears in the Parliamentary Survey ; and in 1685 Henry 
Kenehly was one of the overseers of the poor. 

Marshall. — Alphege de Mireshal was tenant of Otham 
about 1200 ; at the end of the same century in the ordina- 
tion of HaUsham Vicarage, 1296, '^the land of Walter 
de Mereshale" occurs, which may be the ^^Mereshale" 
of Robert de Dene's foundation charter, and is possibly 
also identical with the **2 acres called Mersalls of the 
Parliamentary Survey. In the subsidy of 1385 Robert 
and John Mersale are mentioned, ana John Mersale is 
also found as a baron of the Cinque Ports in Henry VII.'s 
time ; in the registers of 1559 the name occurs as Mersall. 
Whether this is really an early form of the name Marshall 
I have no actual proof, but it is at least possible. On the 
other hand the more usual derivation (titular and not 
territorial) also appears in several cases, as Robert 
Marescall, witness to a thirteenth century Otham deed ; 
in ^^1306 the Hundred of Thille present Gilbert, son 
of Gilbert Erche, for assaulting John le Marchal; *^^in 
1326 John Mareschall is defendant in a Hailsham suit; 
and Thomas Marchell is found in the 1524 subsidy. In 
connection with this second derivation it is worth noting 
that in 1352 the Marshalsea (Marescalcia) of the bailiff 
of Pevensey is spoken of. 

Onstey or Unstey. — A grant of land made in 1460 
to Thomas Onstye has been already mentioned under 
Magham Down ; "*in 1472 Richard Cach of Cuckfield 
devised all his lands in that place to Thomas Onstye of 
Haylesham and others. John Onsty, who held land in 
Moorbrook in 1528, made his will in 1542, desiring to be 
buried '^in the churchyarde of Haylsham" and leaving 
" to the hie Altar of Haylsham 4* and to the church 
warke 3* 4* ... at my buryal 3 masses and mete 
and drinke to the poore people, and at my jersmynd 

»w Assize RoU, 934. »w Assize RoU, 938. 

274 Ancient Deeds, C. 1,053 ICcU.]. 



166 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

3 masses and mete and drynke to the poore people. . . . 
To John my eldest son two of the best oxen that is a 
black and a yelle. To Nicholas my son the blacke mare. 
To John my yomigest son a pair of shets. To Jone my 
dowghter 2 plates 2 pewter dyshes and 2 sawsers. . . . 
I wyll that Sir John Buckeland shall be my overseer." 
John Unsty, probably the eldest son of the preceding, 
directs in his will of 1557 that 8 bushels of wheat shall 
be divided amongst the poor, and leaves *' to the mother 
church of Chichester 4^." The will of William Onstye 
the elder, dated 1570, directs ^^30" to be distributed 
amongest the poore people of this paryshe verely out 
of my land till my heire come to the age of 21 years. 
... To William Onsty my cosin my cobbard a gret 
chest and formes and a *^^bountynge hutch ; " there is 
also a bequest to ^^ John Holly bone my uncle." The 
William here mentioned was the recipient of another 
miscellaneous legacy in 1575, when John Tutt bequeathed 
'^ to William Unstye my best cloke sword and dagger 
bootes and spurres and a horse colte of thre yere olde 
and a bridle and sadle." 

Pelham. — This family, afterwards destined to play so 
important a part in tne history of the county — and 
indeed of the kingdom — were originally settled in Hert- 
fordshire and it was not till *^1295 that they became 
connected with Sussex, Walter de Pelham in that year 
obtaining a grant from William le Hupere of a messuage 
with gardens, pasture, &c., in Heylesham, and a messuage 
at Escetune, and lands extending from Heylesham to 
Horsye, and lands of the Eagle, and one piece of land 
with wood and meadow called Stonyland, and one piece 
of wood called Hedge grove, a parcel of land called 
Westfield and others called Stoke and Hamme ; the 
Walter, his heirs and assigns, to hold them in chief, 
paying 15^* annual rent, which William ^'^le Mass, 

>^ i.e., a rabbit hutch. 

«77 1295, according to Burrell fAdd. MSS., 5,681], or 1300 according to Lower, 
** Historical Notices of the Femam Family," quoting pedigree drawn up by 
Philpott. 

>iB Possibly, le Mus. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 167 

Nicholas Aufrey, Nicholas Wigge, Margery Wareman, 
Henry de Garlondo and Gilbert de Berewyte and their 
predecessors used to pay. 

Reade or A' Rede. — ^*^^John de Rede was bailiff of the 
Hundred of Dill in 1260 and a *** Robert atte Rede occurs 
in 1305, but, with the exception of *^Hugo atte Rede, 
who was juror on an inquisition in 1360, the name does 
not occur again till the subsidy of 1524, in which John 
and Thomas A Rede and John Kede appear ; the William 
a Reede, who held land in Moorbrook m 1628, made his 
will in 1558 as William A' Reyd. Another William Rede 
was juror at Ludley in May, 1576, and as William a Reede, 
headborough of Hailsham, in November of the same year, 
and as Wuliam Reed appears on the subsidy of 1586. 
John Reade held land at Downash in 1650 and William 
Reade had a shop in the market place ; the latter is 
probably the William Reede, of Downash, who was 
buried in 1665. Jeremiah Reed, the churchwarden, 
whose name appears on the bells cast in 1663, is described 
as Jeremy Reede, yeoman, in the consent of marriage 
between him and Jane White, of Northiam, 1658. 

Reader, a name still found in the parish, may have 
originated from the same root as the Reades. John 
Reder, senior and junior, were barons of Cinque Ports 
in Henry VII.'s time ; and Henry Reder, whose will was 
executed about 1540, held land in Moorbrook in 1528. 
In 1549 Thomas Reder left *Ho the poore men's box 4^," 
his will being witnessed by George Fayrebank, clerk. 

Snowe. — Peter and Thomas Snowe occur in the 1524 
subsidy ; the former of these held Grovelands at the 
time of the '^ Valor Ecclesiasticus," and the latter is 
mentioned in the Muster Roll of 1539 and may be the 
Thomas Snow who made a will in 1554 : ''To tne poore 
men's chest 6" 8^ . . . towards mending the ^calsey 
betwene my house at Downasshe and the church wher 
nede require, 20'' . . . to George, my son, Dobsmarshe, 
Crowches, Jordayns, Myldem, Fakam Land ... to 

«w Asdze RoU, 912. « Inq. p.m., 33o Bdw. III., p. 1, 38. 

^ Assize Roll, 9M. «* i.e., cauaeway. 



168 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

John Reder land called Crokem ... to Alexander 
Parkes, of Fokington, the lease of land called Squabbs." 
An earlier will is that of Richard Snow (1540\ who left 
his body " to be buried in the church of Haylsham and 
I bequeth to the churche of Haylsham 6" 8^ for the 
brekyng of y*" ground. It' I bequeth to y* repare of y** 
church 20^, to y*" hygh Aultar for my oby tts and forgotten 
tythes 8^. . . . It' to y** repair of y* hygheway in 
Hartfeld strete 40' ... to Thomas Buckiand curate 
of Haylesham 6« 8^" 

Stonestreet. — ®^This family bore for arms: Ar. on 
two bars sa. 3 bulls' heads cabosned of the field. Stephen 
Stonestreet was buried at Herstmonceux in 1538 ana his 
grandson, William, resided in Hailsham, where, in 1606, 
he married Mary, the daughter of Nicholas Foster; his 
brother Henry uved in Lewes. In the parish chest is 
an indenture of apprenticeship, dated 1615, of Martha 
Mantell to William Stonestreet, mercer ; in 1626 he 
made his will, leaving ^'to the poore of the parishe of 
Hailsham 20" to be distributed among them on the 
Sabbath Day next after my decease ... to the 
poore of the parrishe of St. Anne's Lewes 10" . . . 
to my son William my biggest silver bolle to my son 
Henry my biggest silver guilt salt ... to William 
Stonestreet my brother Henries son one peece of plate 
of valine of 40";" there is also mention of "Philipp 
my son Nicholas' daughter." This Nicholas is returned 
in the ^Compositions for Knighthood of 1629 as ** having 
neither goods nor lands ; " he was the eldest son and 
married Elizabeth Newman in 1624 ; his will, dated 
1632, mentions his sons, William and Henry, and 
daughters, Mary and Catherine ; also ** to my brother 
Henry I give the house ^ John Humfrey nowe dwelleth 
in called the Crowne in Hailsham with my lands lying 
at Whitedike in the some parish and my crofts called 
Vihy and Carby Crofts : " in 1715 William Stonestreet, 
clert, alienated to Thomas Colbron '* the messuage called 

»« Berry's " Sussex Genealogies.'* «»* *• S.A.C.," Vol. XVI. 

«» The will of John Humphery, ** inholder," is dated 1639- 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 169 

the Crown Inn with a stable &c., and a parcell of land 
called Kerbycroft containing an acre and a half : " 
Nicholas Stonestreat also mentions *' John Hammond 
my godsonne," and makes ** my loving bretheren and 
frends Mr. William Hammond and Mr. William Stone- 
street" overseers. Another Nicholas Stonestreet, of 
Hailsham, appear on a ^subsidy of 1649 as holding 
£20 in lands, and a William Stonestreet, either the 
brother of the former Nicholas or his son (who married 
Katherine Thomason, heiress of the Fetherston's, of 
Hassingbroke Hall, in Essex, and was of London and 
Westham) occurs in the Parliamentary Survey. 

SwAiNE is a name which occurs very frequently in the 
earlier registers and to a less extent m other documents 
connected with the parish. Thomas Swane occurs on 
the Muster Roll of 1539, and John Swane the elder and 
Thomas Swane were jurors at Ludley in 1576 and assessed 
in the subsidy of the same year, and John is also men- 
tioned in the subsidy of 1685 ; Thomas may be the 
Thomas Swayne, tailor, whose will was made in 1587. 
In 1601 Humphrie, son of John Nicholson, apprenticed 
himself to Elias Swane of Hailsham, shoemaker ; and at 
the survey of Ersham manor in 1625 Elias Swane was 
the largest tenant; four years later he made his will, 
which mentions a good deal of landed property, as: 
''land called Betts and Carpenters, Whilers Hill and the 
Hale, bought of Abraham Twit of Crambroke — marsh 
land called Pellsers — lease of lands and houses of Sir 
John Gage — a lease of the Personage of Hailsham for 
ten years from May 2"^ 1629 made before Edward 
Combes by David Cooper of Glynde;" there is also a 
legacy to his god-daughter Elizabeth, daughter of the 
late Desire Smith, clerk. The estate of Polegate was 
during the eighteenth century held by this family. 

TuTT. — A name still well known in the parish. In the 
subsidy of Dill hundred in 1523 John Tutte is the third 
largest contributor, being assessed at £12 in goods; 
Eichard Tutte (able bill-man in 1539) occurs in the same 

»« Lay Subsidy, J«J. 



170 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

list and again in another "^subsidy of 1546. John Tutt's 
bequest in 1675 to William Onsty has been mentioned ; 
he also left '' to Alice my wife a baye bald ambling mare." 
Another John Tutt is mentioned in the subsidies of 1576 
and 1585, and was one of the four tithing men for 
Hailsham in the former year. A branch of the family 
rose to the rank of gentry at the beginning of the 
eighteenth century, John lutt, gent., occurring on the 
poll books of 1705 and 1734. 

WiLLARD. — This family is on the whole the most 
important of any as regards Hailsham, having been 
connected with the parish for at least six centuries, play- 
ing a leading part most of that time. Some time in the 
eighteenth century they assumed, apparently without any 
title, the arms at present borne by them : Ar. a chevron 
between 3 fish-weels sahle. A boot entitled the ^^ Willard 
Memoir," by John Willard, of Boston, published in 1858, 
contains a great deal of information about the family, 
including a pedigree by M. A. Lower of the Eastbourne 
branch, from 1500 downwards; the author, however, 
displays a truly American greed for ancestors and 
endeavours to prove Norman descent, though in order to 
do so he has to " spell it with a We ;" the name is, how- 
ever, almost certainly of native origin. 

^A John Wylard and Agnes Shereve, his wife, had 
land in Winchelsea and Whatlington in 1293, but the 
first mention of the family in Hailsham is in ^1304, 
when Laurence Willard was acquitted on a charge of 
robbing Simon Alehurst. **Burrell gives a ** Petition of 
the Commonalty of the Lowe of Pevenesse, a member 
of the Port of Hastings, against the imposition of 
Tallage" (undated, but evidently about 1315), signed by 
Richard de Pevenese BailiflF, Piers Willard, John Willard 
atte Doune, Richard atte Werd, Simon de Hydenye, 
Elys le Clerc, Randolf Wodelond, Lucas Scot, Robert 
Kipping, les heirs Cok atte Doune, William Croppe, 
Nicholas le Long, Simon Littlewatte, William Avery, 

WT Lay Subsidy, }JJ. ^ Assize RoU, 934. 

»« Thorpe's Battle Abbey Charters. «" Add. MSS., 5,681. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 171 

Avery Aghteman and others. This John Willard of la 
Doune occurs with a number of others as receiving 
pardon of outlawry in 1316, and is no doubt the John 
Willard of Horsye, who appears, with Nicholas Willard, 
as holding land of the ^* Manor of Pevensey in 1324 — 
Nicholas was juror on an ^^inquisition at Uailsham in 
1340. William Wyllard, who is mentioned with John 
Wyllard in the Nonae returns of 1341, is found again, 
as we have seen, on the Assize Roll of 1353 ; and in the 
list of barons of Pevensey resident in Hailsham in 1373 
Roger and ^Richard Willard occur, as do Thomas and 
John in the similar list of 1384. The fifteenth century 
records relating to Hailsham being scanty, our next 
reference is 1524, when Richard, John, Robert and 
Katherine Willarde contributed to the *^ subsidy of the 
hundred of Dill, the first-named being assessed at £18, 
an amount only surpassed by one (Richard Twisden, 
£20^ and £6 more than the next highest. Robert 
Wyllard, by his will, dated 1528, desired to be buried 
" m the churchyard of our Lady in Halsam," and left 
*' to y*" hy auter for thythes and oblacyons forgotten 4^ 
.... to y* mother church of Chichester 6\ It' I 
bequeth that at my beryyng 2 prests and at y'^ months 
mind 3 prests (shall perform mass). It' I bequeth to y'' 
curat of Hallsam 4 nobles and he to bestowe y t for y'' 
sowle of Xyofer Wyllard (the testator's father) the which 
I am bound y to." 

Nicholas Willerd, who possessed the second largest 
amount of armour in 1539, left directions in 1543 for 
his body to be buried ** in the church erth of Haylsham, 
and I wyll to have at my buriall 6 masses and at my 
monthes day 6 masses. It' I will to have at my months 
day a stere to be kyllyd of y* valew of 20' to be dystry- 
buted and gyven to poore people of y® same daye to 
pray for my sawle with mete and dnnke convenient. 

^ Rentals and Hxaveys, 664. 

^ Inq. p.m., 14P Edw. HI., p. 2, 46. 

'^ Bichard Willard and Petronilla Mb wife, of Hailsham, in 1378 ; Court Bolls, 
206-21, Pevensey Lowey. 

*« Lay Subsidy, H|. 



172 HISTORY OF HAlLSHAM. 

It' I leave to the reparing of the church of Helsham 
20" : " Nicholas, his son, is left under the guardian- 
slup of Robert Garrett, and the will is witnessed by 
" Thomas Devenvsshe Esquier and Richard Garrett one 
of the lurates of Pemsey." In 1569 Katherine Coker 
bequeathed ^^ to George and Fellex Wyllard a fetherbed 
and 3 candlestycks," and in 1595 John Willard, who was 
juror at Ludley in 1576, willed '^ that Joane my sister 
shall have her dwellinge in the little house loyning unto 
the common and one little herbe garden closed out by 
the Box tree adjoyninge unto the little house." Notices 
of a poorer branch of the family may be found in the 
indenture of apprenticeship of Annie Willard to Thomas 
Kenchlie, husbandman, in 1616, and the similar indenture 
of Elizabeth, daughter of Hemy Willard, late of Hail- 
sham, gardener, to Thomas Willard, of Chiddingly, 
blacksmith, in 1639, to which George Willard was 
witness. We have seen that during the eighteenth 
century the manor of Ersham belonged to the Willards 
and consequently the name occurs in all assessments, 
&c., of that period. The last name that I shall mention 
is that of Thomas Rogers Willard, who was church- 
warden from 1815 to 1820. 




Ikotograph by E. J. Baker. 

OTHAM.-THE CHAPEL AND HOUSE. 




OTHAM.- SOUTH WALL OF CHAPEL 

(Froui a Drawing by M. A. Lower; reproduced by permission of tM 
Sussex Arcfueological Society.) 




\ \ i 



\\ \' 





w \i.r uF ( !iAi i:l 



- s ■«•."/ ' 



CHAPTER XII. 

Otham is not mentioned in Domesday, but was probably 
included in the possessions of Ralph, who afterwards took 
the surname of de Dene from West Dean, where he had 
settled ; at any rate, in Henry II.'s time we find it in 
the hands of his grandson, Ralph de Dene. Before going 
any further it may be as well to give a short pedigree of 
the family of de Dene and their connections : 



mentioiied in DomeBday, 
c. 1085. J 



Robert Pmcema,=|=Sibylla. 
Lewes Charters, 
c. 1120. 



cema,=f=Si1 
rters, | 



Balph de Dene,^ Robert, 

d otham Abbey, mentioned in Lewes 

c. 1180. Chartolaiy, c. 1145. 



Robert de I>ene,=p Ela.=7:* Jordan de Saukeville. 

died before 1189. 

I =« William deMarci.? 

Robert de Dene. Ralph de Icklesham.s?= .... Hamo de Icklesham. GalMd. 



J- 



Sibylla. = Nicholas Heringaud. 



Alice. = Bertram de Hertshome, Agatha. = Lucian de Seille. 

son of Wm. de Galverdon. 

In the reign of Henry II. Ralph de Dene founded an 
abbey on his land at Otham ; it appears from the founda- 
tion charter that there was already a chapel on the 
spot, and this became the nucleus of a monastery of 
rremonstratensian Canons [a reformed branch of the 
Augustinians founded by Norbert at Premonstr^ in 
Picardy in 1121, and sometimes called White Canons 
from their dress]. The exact date of foundation is not 
known, but would appear from the names of the witnesses 
to the charter to have been about 1180. 

""Foundation Charter. 
Be it known to all sons of the holy Mother Church now and in the 
future that I, Balph de Dena have given and granted to God and 8^ 

»» Dugdale'B " Monaaticon." 



174 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

Mary and S* Lawrence of Hotteham and to the Canons of the Fremon- 

stratensian order serving GK>d in that place, for the erection of an 

abbey, all my demesne of Hotteham with the chapel in the same place 

and with all the appurtenances of that demesne, and also my bondmen 

at ""Dudintune, namely Gladuwine the brother of Speg, together with 

5 Bolidates of land, John Gnokedune, Gilbert Carpenter, William 

Cnokedune, Hugo, Thomas de Farnstrete with his land, and Eobert 

Bunt, Wlfi Wiver, and his heirs and the heirs of his brother Grig ; 

and Sewal and Wlward and Walter; and the land which Fulkeri holds 

of me in Seford for which he pays yearly 1 pound of pepper and 8 

pounds of wax. . And besides these, I have given, the marsh of 

Megham as Ralph, my grandfather, held it ; and all the marsh which 

belonged to Ulric, and the new marsh, as far as it belongs to me. All 

these I have given in frankalmoign .... And I have done this 

with the consent and assent of Robert my son and heir, for the good 

of my body and soul, and for the good of the body and soul of the 

said Eobert and my heirs ; and for the good of the body and soul of 

my lord king Henry and of his children: and for the souls of my 

father and mother and of all my ancestors ; and also of my descendants. 

Witnessed by : Boeder son of Reimfre, Richard son of William, 

WiUiam de Warenne, Adam de Puninges, 

Jocelin son of Reimfre, Michael de Turnham, 

Galfrid de Saccavile, Robert de Hicclesham, 

Ralph the Clerk, Eustace de Monte, 

WiUiam de S* Alban. 

Dugdale also gives another shorter charter, making 
similar grants with the addition of " the hide of Ambe- 
feld which I hold of Richard de Horsenden." 

Robert, the son of Ralph, also made certain grants tp 
the Abbey : 

I Robert de Dene give to God and the canons of Otteham in 
frankalmoign all the land that I have in '^Telletone with all the 
appurtenances thereof, and also my fishery in the marsh with its 
appurtenances ; and this gift I make on condition that the canons pay 
such service for it as I have been paying. Witnessed by : Robert de 
Gallun my uncle, Manasses Aguillun, Galfrid de Saukeville, Roland 
de Esquitade, Richard Buissun, Ralph Esquines, Reinald de 8^ Alban 
and others. 

By another charter, to which is atta-ched his ^seal, 
bearing a cross within a pentacle surmounted by a 
crescent and star — a mystic combination that suggests 
that its bearer had been in one of the Crusades — he 
grants " 20* rent in the vill of Dene, namely the tenement 
of John de Tya paying 4*, that of Robert Bercarius 

^ Dudington was on the borders of HaHsham and FolMngton. 
«w Taton in Sehneston. » " S.A.C.," Vol. V. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 175 

(the shepherd) 6®, that of Simon de Pevensel 7", that of 
Walter Newman (novi hominis) 2*, and that of Ralph 
Frankelein 12^ ; with the tenements and the men them- 
selves ; and half a marc rent in Mereshale and the 
advowson of the church of Westdene." (Mr. Cooper 
** asserts that this refers to the chapel of Exceit in that 
parish, as West Dean Church had been granted to Grestein 
Abbey by the Earl of Moretain ; but by the Bayham 
Chartulary it seems that Exceit Chapel was given by 
Roger de la Ware, and though Grestem held East Dean 
Church till the seizure of their English estates in 1415, 
West Dean was not then in their possession.) 

The first of these two grants was afterwards disputed ; 
^Bertram de Hertshome and Alice his wife, Lucian de 
Seille and Agatha his wife, Richard de Verdun and Amice 
his daughter in 1198 claiming against the Abbot of 
Otteham a knight's fee in Telletun and marsh in Pevenes 
and Heilesham. A compromise was effected, the Abbot 
aying 60® and the claimants waiving their rights to the 
and in question and confirming it to the abbey : 

**(79.) Alard archdeacon of London: be it known to all that 
Agatha daughter of Eobert son of Ealph, and Bertram son of William 
de Calverdon husband of Alice sister of the said Agatha in his own 
name and that of his wife, in my presence have sworn upon the Holy 
Gospels that they will strictly hold to the a^eement made between 
them and the canons of Oteham concerning land which belonged to 
Ealph de Dene their ancestor in Teleton and in the marshes of Aylesham 
and Pevense. 

Another grant of land in Tilton, or probably a purchase 
or exchange, was made a few years later : 

(77.) I Robert by the Grace of God abbot of S' Mary of Grestein 
have granted to the Abbot and canons of Oteham 30 virgates of land 
of our fee in the vill of Telleton ; Given the Sunday before the feast 
of 8' Margaret, virgin, the 3"* year after the first coronation of King 
John; Witness, — Hugh de "Warwic and *^ William de Dena. 

Amongst the Sussex charters preserved in the Bodleian 
Library is a very interesting rental of the manors of 

"• Feet of Finea, 9* Ric. I. [Cal.']. 

"» Add. MSS., 6,037, Tranflcript of Bayham Chartulary : numbers within 
brackets throughout this chapter refer to the charters in this MS. 

"^ The only mention I hare seen of this member of the family. 



E 



176 HISTOBT OF HAILSHAM. 

Tilton and Otham, apparently compiled about 1200. It 
is very much faded, but with a rew exceptions is just 
legible; quotations from it are given by Mr. Cooper 
from a transcript made some fifty years ago, when the 
writing was perhaps clearer, as one or two names which 
he states occur therein I have been utterly unable to find 
any trace of; his transcript has, however, been of con- 
siaerable assistance to me in one or two places where 
words have almost vanished. 

"■Rents due from Teltun. 

At Wilmentun 15' at four periods of the year. Also to the same 
oourt for sherifiTs aid H^ yearly of which we ourselves pay i^. 

Jordan de Saukeville to the sheriff's aid 3' 4' of which we ourselves 
pay SI**. Also to the Hundred we ourselves pay 1** at four terms of the 
year. Also ^Rompani 1** at the feast of o^ Peter ad Yincula. To 
the Castle Ward of Pevenes half a marc, that beinc^ the amount due 
for a knight's fee ; and Heccage is to be performed for the same castle 
when it falls due ; of this we ourselves pay 8f ^ ; and it is to be observed 
that when Heccage occurs our tenants shall do an (eighth) part and 
we are bound ourselves to do the whole fully except the service which 
the said tenants do. 

Rents due from Oteham. 

At Sessingeham 3"; at Michelham 12** ; to the church of Wylendun 
12^ within a fortnight of Easter. To the Hundred 4^ yearly; to the 
Rompani 1* for Famstrete. To the Castle Ward of Pevenes from 
Dudinton and Thome 3*, whereof our tenants pay 5^ yearly for 
Parnstrete. To the sheriff's aid 3^"* yearly for Pamstret. 

Services which are due to the Court of Otteham. 

Hueh de Dudintun is bound to carry manure for 3 days and to 
"^ work one day in every fifteen, and three parts of his work at Otteham 
and Teletun are due in the autumn, also he is bound one day to mow 
the meadow, another day to collect (the hay) and a third day to store 
it. Also he is bound one day to cut brushwood wherever may be 
appointed him and one day to carry the same ; also he owes one cart- 
load of wood. And one day to cany corn from the marsh and to stack 
it, and one day to carry hay in the marsh, and one day to wash sheep 
and one to shear them, ana similarly the lambs. Also one part of his 
ploughing is due in winter and one day's harrowing, and in Lent one 
part of his ploughing and two days harrowing. 

And the others owe the same service, and every man of Dudinton 
who holds half a virgate of land is boimd to make half a seam of oat 

>o* Sussex Charters, 6*. 

** '' Peter*B pence," the sum of Id. paid annually to the See of Rome for 
every household. 
^ Averare, to work with animals, or to act as carter. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 177 

meal against Christmas; and so is Adam de Heppehale. Moreover 
each of them, that is to saj every one who has half a virgate of land 
is bound to bring an amber of salt from the salt-pan at Otteham. 

Robert the cobbler is bound to share all the above with the said 
-Hugh de Dudintun. 

Bents from Theletun. 

William ; 2 hens, 20 eggs. 

Alan ; at Miohelmas 2 hens, 10 effgs. 

the same for other land ; 16** at the four terms, 
the same for a certain croft ; 7"* at the Purification and Feast of 
8^ John Baptist. 
Balph gardener; lO' at Michelmas, 2 hens, 10 eggs. 
Adam me shepherd (Bercarius) ; 5* at one term, 1 hen, 5 eggs. 
A. ad saccer' ; 12' at the four terms, 1 hen, 5 eggs. 
Matthew Ooopere; 12*^ at the four terms, 1 hen, 5 eggs. 

Bents from Otteham. 
William Gbdard; 3*, 1 hen, 13 eggs. 
Baldwin Bunt; 2", 1 hen, 12 eggs. 
John le Herre ; 3*, 1 hen, 1 3 eggs. 
Eilwin Carpenter; 3", 1 hen, 13 eggs. 
The land of Matilda Grille : 3*, 1 hen, 13 eggs. 
Thomas the cobler (sutor) ; 3*, 1 hen, 13 eggs. 
Simon Salter; 18*^, half a hen, 7 eggs. 
Peter le Couverer ; 12', 1 hen. 
Gilbert Parcher; 12'. 

Eilwin de Heppehal; 6" 6', 2 hens, 15 eggs. 
John de Dittun ; 2* at Christmas and Feast of 8^ Laurence. 
The mill of Thome and land near ; 10*. 
Thomas de Badediche, 3* 4'. 

Drui ; 3', 1 hen, 13 eggs. 

Bobert Nokdon; 3*, 1 hen, 13 e^^. 

Bobert Couerer; 3*, 1 hen, 13 eggs. 

Thomas de Bestinover ; 3* at Feast of S^ Thomas. 

Bobert Ward for land of Pevenes ; 8' on S' Laurence's day. 

Simon de Hidneye ; 10* 1* on 8' Thomas' day. 

Gilbert de Barcum (?) ; 5* 4' at the four terms. 

Bichard Mageham ; half a marc. 

Alphege de Mireshal ; 12'. 

Land of ; 2». 

Land of Bume ; 12» on Trinity Sunday. 

In the first paragraph ^^Heccage" requires some 
explanation; the word occurred in WilKam Marmion's 
charter in Chapter III., where I said that the meaning 
was unknown ; since that was written, however, I have 
found the following note in "S.A.C.," Vol. VI.: "In 
4"" King John Hugh Dyve, lord of East Haddon, co. 
Northants, claimed against Henry Dyve his mesne tenant 



178 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

the service of inclosing a certain hay upon the vallum of 
the King's Castle of Pevensey, being the alleged tenure 
pertaining to a knight's fee which he held of him in 
Brampton, Northants." This, it will be noticed, is just 
about the date of our rental ; moreover amongst the 
Otham charters is one ^56) by which Hugh de Diva gives 
to the Canons of Ottenam, " the land which they hold 
in my fee of Otteham." This gives us the connecting 
link between the service mentioned and Heccage, which 
is evidently derived from the Saxon ha^g (Old German 
hech\ a hedge or hay. Latinised into haga^ of which one 
meaning is a military rampart formed of palisades, in 
other words a stockade, and Heccage was therefore a 
tenure by which the holders of certain lands were obliged 
to keep up a certain portion of a defensive palisade, just 
as in a well-known tenure the tenants have to keep up a 
portion of the churchyard fence. 

The service due from Hugh of Dudinton would amount 
to very nearly seven weeks work altogether, unless, as I 
am inclined to think is the case, the details refer to the 
work that was to be done on the " one day in every 
fifteen," and are not in addition thereto. The " land of 
Bume" was no doubt the gift of John de Horsenden, 
who gave one hide of his fee of the manor of Bume, for 
a yearly rent of 10", the charter (62) being witnessed by 
Grilbert de Buma, William Maute, Richard de Essetes, 
William Gulafre and Laurence de Horseia. 

Before proceeding to give a list of the various benefac- 
tions received by the Abbey, it may be as well, in order 
to avoid confusion, to trace its history, or rather its short 
and uneventful life, as an independent monastic house. 
This may be very quickly done : the position of Otham 
was soon found to be very inconvenient ; situated out in 
the marshes and even now almost inaccessible after heavy 
rainfall it must in those days have been unhealthy and 
uncomfortable to a degree ; and after about twenty years 
proposals were made to remove the seat of the Abbacy ; 
the first site offered was Hellingly, but about 1205 Sir 
Robert de Tumham determined, to found an abbey at 
Bayham on the borders of Sussex and Kent, and for that 



HISTORY OF IIAILSHAM. 179 

purpose transplanted a small colony of Premonstra- 
tensians who had settled at Brockley in Kent ; and as 
these were not enough for an abbey of the size of his 
new foundation he also obtained the leave of Ela de 
Sackville, the patron of Otham, to remove the latter 
establishment to this more favourable situation ; so that 
after that date Otham ceased to be more than a grange 
of Bayham Abbey. We may now turn to the considera- 
tion of its benefactors and their gifts. 

Ela de Saukeville : 

(36.) All the land which Alwin le Crop held of Balph de Dene my 
father in the marsh of Pevenes : Witness ; Wm. Maufe, Kic. de Cumba, 
and Wm. de Sellington. 

(37 and 38.) All the land in Twisele, Thorn, and Famstrete, that 
Gerard de Twisele held of me in the fee of Gilbert de Aqnila and 
William de Warberton, to provide oil for one lamp which shall bum 
perpetually day and night in the church of Otteham before the altar 
of S' Laurence: Witness; Wm. de Sessingham; Wm. de Chaines, 
BoV de Horsenden. 

(42.) Galfrid de Saukeville confirms these grants of Ela his mother : 
Witness ; Jordan abbot of Otteham, Balph de Marci, Wm. Maufe. 

Of the lands thus granted, Farnstrete was near ^* Cop 
Hall," where the parishes of Jevington and Hailsham 
meet. Thorne was an estate of considerable extent in 
the neighbourhood of "Thorn House," near Polegate ; in 
an action brought by the lord of Otham manor in 1685 
Thomelands are said to contain 100 acres in Westham ; 
and in a rental of 1661 Partridge Thome near Swynes 
hill and adjoining Fame streate is mentioned ; close also 
to Swines hill are Great and Little Millands, which may 
well mark the site of the mill of Thome mentioned 
above. Charter (40) is a grant by Ela de Saukeville of 
the marsh of Thome to Alexander le la Redediche (Red 
Dyke, not far from Stone Cross). Twisele I cannot 
locate, but it would appear to be further east, in the 
neighbourhood of Crowhurst, as there is in the ®^ Lewes 
Chartulary a grant by Ralph de Dena of " the lands of 
del West de Thoma and those of Chroerst membru' de 
Havetwisel, which lands Robert pincema his father had 
given to the priory." Robert de Warbertune appears in 

>» " S.A.C.," Vol. XXXV. 

V 2 



180 HISTOBT OP HAILSHAM. 

the Bayham Chartulary as (51) confirming the grant of 
Twisele which Ralph de Dene held of him, and (59) 
gives to the abbey in frankalmoign ^^ Robert Macon, 
with his land." 

(34-35) About 1205 Ela de Saukeville, widow, gives 
leave to the Canons on account of the great and intoler- 
able discomforts of Otteham to remove to Begham ** c^dsue 
dicitur Beuliu," and at the same time confirms previous 
grants made by herself and her ancestors, reserving to 
herself the advowson ; amongst the witnesses to her 
charter are Robert abbot of Boxley, William abbot of 
Robertsbridge, William abbot of Cumbwelle, Hugh and 
Reginald de Fokinton, Randulf de Haia and Gamid de 
St. Leger (who had previously ^' given his serf Eadward 
Creppe to the abbey). This charter is confirmed (43) by 
Galfrid her son, and a similar charter is given by (143) 
Robert de Tumham, the founder and patron of Begham, 
which is here again spoken of as *^ Beiuiu ;" and, indeed, 
compared with Otham, it is a ^^ beautiful place," and the 
abbey there built was worthy of the site, as anyone will 
agree who has seen the graceful ruins that still stand, 
though constantly lessening. We have seen that Ela de 
Saukeville retained the right of presentation, and in 1272 
Jordan, son of Jordan de Saukeville, after confirming to 
Bayham the various charters of his ancestors, adds (304) 
"and the said canons are bound to admit on my presenta- 
tion or that of my heirs one clerk, being a fit person, to 
a canonry, and edTter him another and so from clerk to 
clerk in succession for ever ; and he shall celebrate divine 
rites for the welfare of myself and my wife Margery." 
Which right of presentation (305) John abbot of Begeham 
allows. 

Shortly after this date Ela de Saukeville appears to 
have married again, as (41) William de Marci and Ela 
his wife gave "to God and S^ Laurence of Otteham a 
yearly rent of 6^ for the bettering of the meals of the 
convent on S* Laurence's day; Witness: Hamo and 
William de Marci and Wm. Maufe and WilKam his son." 

^ Bodleian, SuBsez Charters^ 2. 



HISTOBT OF HAILSHAM. 181 

From this occurring in the chartulary between the grants 
by Ela de Saukev3le and the confirmations thereof by 
her son Galfrid I have concluded that the two Elas are 
the same, in which case the grant must either have been 
made to the two or three canons left in charge of the 
chapel at Otham when the convent migrated, or between 
the permission to remove and the actual translation to 
Bayham ; unless when she speaks of herself —in the charter 
of removal — as acting ^4n viduitate et ligia potestate 
mea," she means to imply that she was acting in the right 
of her former husband, which is perhaps the most likely 
explanation. 

Next to the founder and his descendants the greatest 
benefactors of the monastery were the family of Brade, 
who took their name from "the Broad" estate in 
Hellingly ; some of the members of the family bore the 
name of de Helling. I subjoin a sketch pedigree of 
their apparent relationships to one another as gathered 
from the charters given below : 

Wybert Brade Py 

I ' 1 

T _T 



Ralph Brade.^^ Wybert Brade. P 

Nicholas de HeUing. Bikeward de Helliiig.=T= Martin Brade. 

Richer de Helling. Rikeward Brade.:^: Randulf Brade, 

witness to Robert 

I ' Marmion's charter. 

Richard Brade, 

witness to Wm. Mannion's 

charter. 

(88.) Eikeward de Helling gives to the canons of Oteham : 20 acres 
of land in my fee in the marsh, for which they have given me half of 
the mill of Hellingel which they hold of Ealph de Brade, on condition 
that neither I nor my heirs shall raise the pond hifi^her than it is 
customarily nor do anything by which the meadow of me same canons 
may sufEer damage. 

(103.) Richer son of Bikeward de Helling gives: my mill of 
Helling. 

(104.) The abbot of Eobertsbridge quit claims to the abbot of 
Begeham 10' yearly rent from his mill of Helling of the gift of Eicher 
de Hellingel. 



182 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

(67.) Eiceward de Helling and Eandulph Brade witness grant by 
Richard de Weliland of 12** yearly rent to be received from the monks 
of Robertsbridge. 

"^William de Bugelgives : all the land which T hold in the marsh 
between Pevenes and Halesham of the fee of Eikeward de Hellingel, 
to be held by payment of half a pound of pepper on Christmas Eve. 

(84.) Endowment of the church by Nicholas eldest son of Ealph 
de Brade (see p. 103) ; witnessed by Henry de Brade. 

(85.) Confirmation of this grant, by William de Cahaines. 

(82.) I, Nicholas son of Ealph Brade, have granted to Martin my 
brother my inheritance of which I am seised in the court of Eicher de 
Aquila by the consent of Eichard de Cahaines my lord. . . . And I 
have given to the canons of Otteham half a virgate of land of the fee 
of the same Eichard in Hellingel besides 12 denariates which William 
de Meriefeld holds with which I endowed the church of Helling when 
Bishop Seffrid II consecrated it : this I have done for the welfare of 
myself and of my lord William de Cahaines and Gunnora his wife. 

(87.) I Eikeward de Hellingle have given to God and the church 
of the holy apostle Peter and Paul of Hellingel a croft near the 
church, which William Scarlet held of me at a yearly rent of 4**, and 
sue perches of my moor to enlarge the churchyard : Witness ; Wm. 
Maide, Wm. and Eeginald Trushavill and Adam Eufus. 

(86.) Eikeward Brade of Helling cives to Otham: half of the 
church of Helling, for the soul of my lord Eikar de Aquila and for 
the soul of my father Eikeward de Helling. 

(49.) I Edelina de Aquila have confirmed to the convent of Otteham 
the half of the church of Hellingleia by the grant of Gilbert my son 
which Eikeward Brade of Hellingle gave to God and the Blessed Mary 
and S^ Laurence and the canons of Otteham. 

(296.) The bishop on the presentation of Eikeward and Eandulph 
Brade inducts the canons of Oteham to Hellingly church (see p. 103). 

(100.) Eichard de Helling gives: the land of Moderlac which 
G^rmund de Moderlac held of my father. 

(101.) The same gives: all my portion of Peche: witness, Eic. 
Oildebid and Walerand de Munceux. 

(71.) Ailbricht Chvie gives: land in the marsh of the fee of 
Eikeward and Eandulf Brade. 

(78.) Eikeward and Eandulf Brade were witnesses to the renuncia- 
tion by Agatha daughter of Eobert de Dene of her claim to lands 
held by the abbey in Tilton, in 1198. 

(94.) Eikeward de Brade of Helling gives: land in the marsh 
which Wlfric held. 

(89.) Eikeward de Brade gives : all the land that Eichard de Ponte 
held and all my portion of the moor called Langene and my portion of 
the field called Melne— so that our mill do not suffer damage either 

w Bodleian, Sussex Charters, 1 ; possibly this William was a descendant of the 
William who held Boghele in Domesdaj. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 183 

from them or from me : further, I have given leave to the same canons 
to transfer the site of their abbey from Oteham to the church of 
Helling or to what other place they prefer in their own lands: Witness, 
Wm. Maufe, Eandulf Brade, Wm. de Helling. 

(95-98.) Eandulf de Brade coniirms the above gifts : for the souls 
of my lord Eicher de Aquila and my lord Gilbert de Aquila. Further, 
I have given leave to the said abbot and canons on accoimt of the 
great poverty that they have long endured at Oteham to transfer the 
site of their abbey to the church of Helling or to Melgrave if they 
will : Witness, Eichard Brade, Eikeward de Helling. 

(99.) The same gives to 8' Mary of Begeham ; a virgate of land 
wluch Nicholas de Helling my uncle gave to them. 

( 1 02.) Eichard Brade confirms to Begham the gifts which Eikeward 
Brade his father had made to them. 

(404.) Jordan abbot of Otteham : we have received Wybert Brade 
to become a canon in our church of Otteham, on the presentation of 
Ecdph Brade his ^grandson (or cousinV on condition that after the 
death of the said Wybert the said Ealpn or his heirs shall present to 
us another person, being fit and agreable to our order, and we shall 
receive him kindly and make him a canon according to our rule, and 
after him another, and so on. 

I have mentioned in connection with Hellingly Church 
a charter by Edelina de Aquila, and there are three 
charters by her son Gilbert, the founder of Michelham 
Priory : 

(46.) Gilbert de Aquila confirms the grants made by Ealph and 
Eobert de Dene : This confirmation I have made for the welfare of 
my soul and body and for the souls of my wife and children and for 
the soul of my father Eicher and for the welfare of the Lady Edelina 
my mother and of Eicher my brother : Witness ; The Lady Edelina my 
mother, Eicher my brother, Engenulf the clerk my brother, Wm. de 
Gaines, Hugh de Hassoham, Wm. Maufe. 

(47.) Gilbert de Aquila grants to Otteham : 120 acres of land on 
the Dikere near Wyseke above Peneham, and two trees, one oak and 
one beech, to be taken yearly in the Octaves of S* John the Baptist in 
my forest under supervision of my foresters, and 60 cart loads of peat 
in my moor of Pevenese to be taken yearly so long as the moor shall 
last, and when the moor shall have come to an end I or my heirs 
shall give 2* 6** rent in the town of Pevenese, also pannage for 20 pigs 
in my forest : Witness, Hugh the clerk of Esceham, and others as in 
last charter. 

(48.) A.D. 1219. Gilbert de Aquila grants to Begeham : 60 acres 
of land lying between "^Eppehale and the Casteliy of Otteham, for 
which they have given him all their land in Michelham (which had 
been given by Eobert and William de Sessingham and Eobert de 

"" Nepo8, properly a grandson, but in low Latin frequently a cousin. 
"* Hephale on Priesthawes estate, now corrupted into ** Hip Holes ! " 



184 HISTOBY OF HAILSHAM. 

Horsenden) and have quit claimed to him all their claim against him 
on either side of the house of Otteham in land and moor of the p£t of 
Balph de Dene : Witness ; Simon and Wm. de Echingham, Galmd de 
Sauxeville, Eicher de Aquila, Wm. Maufe, Eandulf Brade. 

The long list of benefactions may be brought to a 
close with a number of miscellaneous charters : 

(61.) Ealph de Idesham gives: two Flanders acres in the new 
marsh of Iclesham and grants the canons permission to enclose at 
their own expense one Bescate of land in the same marsh, but they 
are to protect this from the sea: This 1 have done for the soul of 
Balph de Dene my grandfather who founded the said church: Witness; 
Vincent de Eia, Eobert and Hamo mj brothers, Bertram de Gtestling 
(possibly the same as Bertram de Hertshome the donor's brother-in- 
law). 

(56.) Hugh de Diva gives : the land which they hold in^y fee of 
Otteham : l^tness ; Martin my chaplain, Ealph de Diva my brother, 
and Hamo de Iclesham. 

(57.) Hugh de Diva gives : the land which Agnes who was wife 
of Hugh de Lampa held of my fee in the marsh beyond the port of 
Pevenes. 

(52.) Turstan son of Gilbert de Hodinges gives: half a hide of 
land in Lamport which had belonged to WiUiam the son of "^Boselin : 
Witness ; Gotcline son of Eeinfred, Michael de Tumham, Walerand 
de Herst, Wm. de Eicarville, Eandulf de Horsei, Eeginald de dintune. 

(53.) John son of Turstan de Hodings gives : the homage of John 
de Hydenia for one hide of land in Lamport. 

(54.) Eobert de Marci and Hysabel daughter of William de Lebes 
his wife confirm the gifts of Turstan de Hoddinge : and be it known 
that for this charter the canons have given to us two Bezants : Witness; 
Eic. de Hydeni. 

(50.) Ealph de Belevale gives : a third part of that salt-pan called 
the Guldenesaltkote. 

(58.) Eandulf de Horsy e gives : one acre of land near the house 
of Eichard Gulafre ; this I have done with the consent of Laurence 
my son and heir. 

(60.) William Maufe gives : land at Kenerede : Witness ; Guy and 
Peter Maufe. 

(63.) Hugh de Palema gives : the land which Galfrid de Didtuna 
holds of me at Didtuna, with the said Galfrid and his children : 
Witness ; Eic. Camerarius, Alured de Chilleya, Osbert my son. 

(64.) William de Horsted gives : aU the land which they hold of 
my fee in the marsh of the gift of Ealph de Dena : Witness ; Eandulf 
Brade, Wm. de Sessingham. 

(65.) Daniel son of Adam gives: all his rent of Hertham, Hya 
and Horsia : Witness ; Dom. Anchitel prior of Boxgrave, Master 

810 Boeelin was brother to Hugh de Diva. 



HISTORY OF HATTiitHAM, 185 

Mathew de Waldis, Thomas de Bestenover, Stephen son of Stephen. 
[These lands were give to Adam by (74) Emma widow of Banmf de 
Wurthe and daughter of William de Horsted.] 

(65.) Bobert the Falconer of Wudington nyes : 6 acres of land 
called Yeldelond on the Lewes road to provide lights on the day of St. 
Laurence for the souls of my father and mother and for the soul of 
Matilda my wife who is buried there. 

(66.) Nicholas Hereward gives : 3 acres and one perch of land, 
the canons to do service to the King as for a quarter of a virg^te, 14 
virgates making a knight's fee : Witness ; Wm. Gulafre, Bobt. 
Bumand. 

(69.) Eichard de Aelricheston son of Andrew gives : land of 
Pekelea. 

(70.) Adam de Oobeford gives : a croft which Joceline the chaplain 
held and two acres which Balph de Abrichtesham held of his demesne : 
Witness ; Gilbert the parson of Chitinges, Bandulf Brade. 

(72.) Hugh de Wilendon gives : half an acre of meadow near the 
meadow of Bichard Wileb and Job the son of Norman, for the soul 
of Bichard de Wilendon his father, and for the welfare of his lord 
Symon de Echingham : Witness ; Bic. de Oylebuf . 

£3.) Gervase de Wannoc gives : half an acre of meadow in 
lebroc, for the soul of Matilda his wife : Witness ; Bic. de 
Onoke, Galfrid de Ditton, Job de Wilendone (doubtless Job the son 
of Norman). 

The grants made to the Abbey of Bayham after the 
migration from Otham do not fall withm the scope of 
this work, except in so far as they concern the parish 
of Hdlsham, as in the following examples : 

""I Herbert de .Burgherse have given to Bichard the sunmioner of 
Lewes for his service 12 acres of land in the marsh of Heilsham 
adjoining on the South the land which Matilda de Linderse formerly 
held in dower, and on the East extending from La Flete to the lands 
of the Abbot of Beghehame ; for a yearly rent of the third part of one 
marc, the third part of pound of pepper and the third part of a pound 
of cumin, to be paid at the four terms of the year : Witness ; Bemigius 
de BoBco (atte Wood) Bemigius de ecdesia (atte church) Simon de la 
Gnocke (of Knock-Hatch) and Henry de la Dune (of Downash). 

(281.) Bichard the summoner of Lewes gives: 12 acres in the 
marsh of Heylesham which I bought from Sir Herbert de Berghers. 

(282.) Herbert de Burgherse confirms the gift. 

(109.) Bichard de Heyleham called Bemyot gives to Begham : 
7 acres of land in the parish of Heyleham. 

(110.) John Bemyot of Heylesham gives : 7 acres there. 
*^^ Goolbrook in Hailnham. "^ Bodleian, Sussex Charters, 6. 



186 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

1306. "* Pardon to the Abbot of Begeham for acquiring : 
14^ acres and 5" 3"^ rent in Horseye and Haylesham of the gift of 

John Orop. 
2 acres in Dudynton given by Nenman de Dudynton. 
3'* rent in Haylesham by Nicholas Man ; the like by John Bemyot ; 

the like by William Pouke. 
4^ rent in the same place given by Eichard Turk; the like by 

Simon de Haylesham. 

The seat of the abbacy having been removed to 
Bayhaoi, of which Jordan, the abbot of Otham, became 
the first head, the abbey buildings were probably con- 
verted into a grange or farm, a couple of monks remaining 
to administer the estate and serve the chapel. Of these 
buildings nothing now remains, save possibly a few blocks 
of sandstone forming the foundations of the walls of the 
present farm house. Nor are there any traces of the 
original church ; it was very likely found needlessly 
lar^e and after gradually mlling into disrepair was 
replaced by the present structure ; this is a small oblong 
erection of broken sandstone, some 40 feet in length, 
dating apparently from about 1350 ; there is a door at 
the west end and another on the south side, both blocked, 
the present entrance to the chapel, which is used as a 
stable, being on the north. The outline of the large east 
window is visible, but all its tracery has been destroyed ; 
in the north wall is a window with remains of Decorated 
tracery, and another similar in the south wall (shown in 
the '"plate), on which side are also a piscina and single 
sedile ; the site of the altar is indicated by a rise in the 
level of the floor at the east end. 

From the beginning of the thirteenth century to 1526, 
when the Abbey of Bayham was suppressed, notices of 
Otham are few, the earliest being afforded by the 
Hundred Rolls: 

"* Hundred of Bume: Eichard de Pevenes, the Queen's steward, 
came to the fair at Otteham and took measures of beer and loaves of 

»M Pat., 34 Edw. I., m. 32 ICaLl 

*^' Beproduced by permieedon of the Committee of the Sussex Archssological 
Society from ** 8.A.C.," Vol. V. 

>u I do not understand why Otham should be under the Hundred of Bume at 
thin time. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 187 

bread, and did not test the measures or weights but fined all at his 
pleasure. Also the canons of Otteham take toU at the fair at Otteham, 
where they ought not to take it ; and they have done so for the laat 
four years. 

This question of the fair, whose existence is com- 
memorated by the name Fair Place, was considered in 
the assize of 1278, when the Abbot of Begeham is 
presented by the Hundred of Bum for holding a fair 
at Otteham and taking toll there; he pleads that his 
church has been seised of this right from time immemorial 
and gains his case. More details are given in the ^^ Placita 
de Quo Warranto " of the same year. 

The Liberty of the Abbot of Begeham : The same abbot claims to 
have in his manor of Otteham one fair yearly, on the eve of S' Laurence 
and on S' Laurence's day. The jurors find, that if the fair at Otteham 
occurs on a Saturday, the fair belongs and ought to belong to Eleanor 
Queen of England, the king's mother, by the laws of the Barony of 
Aquila. 

In the '' Taxatio Ecclesiastica " of 1291 the Abbot of 
Begenham is returned as holding ^* Oteham, £2. 10s. 2d.; 
Marsh at Aylesham £6," and a grant of Free Warren 
was obtained for the same two places in 1328. 

1311. ""Simon de Hydenye, Justin de Bothel, John le Bakere, 
James de Craule, Simon Litlewatte, Bartholomew de Whyte Dyke, 
William atte Bereghe, Walter Crop and others of Pevensey were 
attached by the abbot of Begeham on a charge that they seized at 
Otteham, 4 horses of the value of £4, 8 oxen of the value of £10, 12 
cows of the value of £8, 1 bull of the value of 20», 12 young oxen of 
the value of £8, 37 pigs of the value of £4, to his damage of £300 : 
Simon claims that Otteham is within the Liberty of Pevensey, which 
the abbot denies : a day is appointed them ; and Simon does not appear. 

The further course of this suit does not appear. 
Apparently, from a similar complaint by the Prior of 
Michelham, the beasts had been seized as a distraint for 
tallage. Whatever may have been the case at this time 
Otham was, as we have seen, certainly within the Liberty 
at a later period. The next reference that we have again 
refers to the removal of property from Otham, but this 
time without any pretence of legality : 

"^^John Hunt and his men came to the manor of the Abbot of 
Beggehame at Hotteham on Sunday after the feast of S* Michael 

»!• Coram Kege, Hfl., 5 Edw. II. »" Aauize RoU, 941. 



188 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

24® Edw. m, entered his house and stole com and other provision and 
took hares and rabbits in his warren and broke the windows of the 
guest house : fined 12*' ; surety of John Badde and John Wythot. 

1446. '"The Abbot of Begham was distrained in goods, namely 
200 beasts of the value of £100, which were handed over by the 
commissioners to the porter of the king's castle of Fevensey, that he 
should pay homage to the kin^ for his manor of Otteham and for 
other lands which he holds of the king as of his Duchy of Lancaster 
by knight service. 

Two leases of the manor are preserved in the Bodleian ; 
by the "•first of these, 1404, Robert Frendesbury, abbot 
of Begham, lets for 30 years to Henry Bakere of Burg- 
hersh and John Drew of Otham, the manor of Otham 
with lands, pastures, commons and a windmill, and all 
buildings, rents, herriots, court service, wards and 
maritage, and moveable goods, of which an inventory is 
given, including a leaden weight and a quern, and all 
the tithes belonging to the chapel of Otham ; saving to 
the abbot and monks all the offerings at the altar there 
and the image of St. Laurence in gold, silver and wax, 
and one room and a stable, with free access to the same 
whenever required by them or their deputies, for a 
yearly rent of 5 marcs and to theprior and convent of 
Mychelham 25 marcs. By the "* second lease, 1503, 
Richard abbot of Begham lets to John A' Wod and Joan 
his wife, of Jevington, ^^a piece of land called Grate 
Otham adjoining the land called Lachev^yshe on the 
East, Somerswysshe on the South, the highway from 
Borne to Haylsnam on the West and the highway from 
Pevynsee to Liewys on the North ; " for 40 years at rent 
of 10* and three weeks' court service, they undertaking 
to pay tithes to Otham chapel and to eracucate ^^ all the 
undergrowth called Fyrces (furze)." 

On the 20th of January, 1526, the lands of Bayham 
Abbey, including Otham, were granted to Cardinal 
Wolsey, but the chapel of Otham appears to have con- 
tinued in use for another 20 years or so and to have been 
regarded as a parish church, as is shown by the following 

■u Inq. Dy. of Lane, I., 48, a note at the end of a suirey of bounds of Hundred 
of DiU. 
>i> Bodleian, Sussex Charters, 21. *» Bodleian, Sussex CharteiB, 30. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 189 

inquisition of 1590, copied by ""Burrell from a deed in 
the possession of Charles Gilbert of Lewes in 1776: 

S2^ Eliz. Inquisition taken 9<^ May, at the Queen's Court of 
Pevensey. 

Edward Beedett of Hailsham affed 70 or thereabouts said on oath 
that for 60 years he has known Otmam to be a parish, that there was 
and is a chapel now there and that the lands b^onging to the manor 
of Ottham (except Yeame Street which lieth in Jevington, and Heap- 
hale which lieth in Westham) have paid their tithes to Ottham and ao 
still, and that W Kentisley owner of the said manor hath kept of his 
own chaige two Priests, one after another, to say service in the said 
chapel ; What the first Priest's name was he hath forgot; and why the 
said W" Kentisley did put him then away he knoweth not ; and at 
the time there was at Hailsham one Sir Tho* Meeke Vicar there, and 
the said W™ Kentesley did agree with him to do service and his 
Household Service, so he went to Hailsham to service; and then after- 
wards this Sir Tho* Meeke died, and then after him came Sir Bucklond 
and then the said W™ Kentesley and he could not agree for doine him 
service ; and then he hired one Sir Pelham to do him service at Otmam; 
and so the said Pelham continued there both to serve the said W" 
Kenteslev the father while he lived, and after his death John his son, 
heir of the said manor, but how long he knoweth not ; of which John 
Kentisley as both Owner and Heir of Ottham after the death of W"* 
his father one M' James Gages Esq. did challenge the Parson's Com 
Tithes as due to Hailsham and the said John denying to pay the same 
they did go in suit of law for the same, and then John Kentisley gave 
to James Gage the Overthrow by law. 

Eichard Tonywell of Godley, aged 70; similar evidence, and has 
been at service in the said chapel and received sacrament there. 

John Swan of Hailsham, aged 72 ; similar evidence ; has been at 
service in the said chapel. 

John Collier of Herstmonceaux, aged 72; similar evidence; hath 
taken the Bread and Holy Water in the said chapel. 

The name of the first priest at Otham is here stated 
to be unknown, but in 1542 the will of Elinor Kensley, 
wife of the lord of the manor, was witnessed by Roger 
Wallwayn, priest ; and I have no doubt that he was the 

Sredecessor of Pelham. The reference to a suit with 
ames Gage is borne out by his petition to Chancery, 
that: 

""Whereas the king granted to him the tithes of the parsonage of 
Haylsham, one John Kentysley owner of the manor of Oteham in the 
parish of Haylsham "of his ungodly and fro ward disposicion not 
onely absteyneth to ley and appoynte oute the moste parte of the tythes 

«i Add. MSS., 5,681. •» Aug. Off. Misc. Books, 21. 



190 HI8T0BT OP HAIL8HAM. 

of tlie come and grayne growing upon the said manner so tbat your 
suppliant mouffht thereby by dewe order of the lawe come to and 
atteyne the said tythes, and suche small part of tythes as he dothe 
laye out he dothe so evyll handle the same in oastyng yt abrode to the 
dystrucon thereof that scassely any proffit may ryse of the same ; " 
wherefore he prays that he may be summoned before the Court. 

In a *^ deposition taken in 1670 in connection with a 
suit for tithes of certain demesne lands of Otham brought 
by the- vicar of Hailsham : 

William Milton of Otham, husbandman, aged 45 : has heard his 
father and other ancient men say that the demesne of Otham was 
anciently parcel of the late monastery of Beaham or Michellham, or 
one of them, and that the lands within the precincts of Otham were 
free of tithes to the vicar of Hailsham and that the same was formerly 
a parish of itself, and he is induced to believe that it is true for he has 
an ancient deed (produced) concerning a small tenement where he 
dwells mentioning that it is within the parish of Otham ; and the church 
of Otham is yet standing; and there is a conmosition of £3 per annum 
paid to the vicar of Hailsham by the owner or the manor for his tenants 
going to the church of Hailsham to service and christenii^ and burials, 
and for no other consideration, the church of Otham being in decay. 

We now turn to the history of the manor after the 
suppression of Bayham Abbey. 

»» Deposition by Commission, Hil., 22« and 23« Ch. U, 



CHAPTER XIII. 



The possessions of Bayham Abbey having been granted 
to Wolsey's new college at Oxford in the early part of 
1526, in a ®" rental of the college in 1529 the manor of 
Oteham is valued at £1. 14s. 10|d. ""'A detailed survey 
of the Otham estate at the time of the suppression is 
preserved in the Record Office. 

Ottham: 
The full account of William Kentisley Bailiff and Lessee there, for 
one whole year ending at Michaelmas 1 7" Henry VIII. 

Arrears of preceding years 20' 

Rent; of freehold ll•9^ of copyhold £6. 15 £7 6 9 

Lease of the manor with appurtenances by deed under the 
seal of the convent to Wm. Kentisley and his heirs for 
36 years from Michaelmas 14" Henry Vlil at yearly 
rent of 106* 8^, to be paid in equal portions on the feast 
of St. Peter ad Vincula and the Purification of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary 

Lease of a parcel of the manor called Mekf elde, containing 
40 acres, si mila rly let to Eichard Kene from Michaelmas 
19« Henry VTI for 80 years at rent of 13* 4* 

Lease of a tenement containing 30 acres called Doddington, 
and of a meadow containing 5 acres called Pykestritts, 
similarly let to John Owell and Thomas Winswyste for 
40 years from Michaelmas 19" Henry VII at rent of S5* 
and fifty hens 

Lease of another tenement in the parish of VTestham 
containing 100 acres similarly let to Eichard King for 
101 years from Michaelmas 2" Henry VII at rent of 40» 

Lease of 15 acres at Newgate in Otham similarly let to 
Thomas Jordan for 101 years from Michaelmas 4^ Henry 
VII at rent of 6- S** 

Lease of land called Grete Otham similarly let to John 

Awod and Joan his wife for 40 years from MichaelmaB |- 10' 
19« Henry VII at rent of 10- 

Perquisites of the manor court, not yet received this year 
as no court had been held up to the time of compiling 
this account 



106« S* 



13«4* 



35- 



40- 



6-8* 



Sum total owing, 
with arrears, for 
the 17"* year . . 



.«»£19. 8. 2i* 



Arrears 20' 
Issues £18. 8. 2^'. 



«" Aug. Off. Misc. Book, 117. •» Exch. Tr. of R., A. A- 

*^ Including 98. 9}d. for the hens. 



£9. 2. 4 



1 



20- 



192 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

From wliich : 

Money given to the late abbot of Begham by the said 

accountant from the issues of this year at various times : 

at one time, part of rent mentioned above, 5* 10^<*, at 

another time, the price of the hens, 9* 9^**, and at another 

time £8. 6. 8 ; in all , 

Also, money delivered to Thomas Orumwell; from the 

arrears mentioned above 

To the same Thomas Orumwell from the issues of this \ loi oid 

year at various times previous to this account J ^ 

Sum of payments £11. 1. 6^ 
and he owes £8. 6. 8 
Eespite : 
To him for moneys received by the Prior of Michelham as yearly 
pa3rment arising out of the manor at £16. 13. 4 per annum in 
discharge of his rights in the church of Haylesham and for certain 
other causes as appears by a deed in the hands of the said prior ; for 
half of this year £8. 6. 8 besides £8. 6. 8, the remainder or the said 
sum paid by the late Abbot of Begham ; the said £8. 6. 8 for the half 
year previous to this account is put in respite. 

Sum of Bespite £8. 6. 8. 
And there remain n' 

After WolseVs attainder the manor was granted in 
1533 to "^'Sir Edward Guildford, and in John Kenchley's 
reply to James Gage — see end of last chapter — ^he states 
that the Manor of Otham belonged first to the Abbey of 
Bayeham, then to the Cardinal Archbishop of York, and 
was then granted to Sir Edward Guldeford, who enfeoffed 
William Kentisley, his father. A slightly different 
version is given by a ""letter from Thomas, Prior of 
Michelham, to Norris: 

My Lord Warden [George Boleyn, Lord Rochford] has obtained of 
the King the manor of Oteham amongst other lands of Begham Abbey 
lately suppressed by the cardinal. The prior and his predecessors have 
been seised of this manor for more than 200 years and have received 
25 marcs yearly rent, which was paid when me Cardinal held it and 
while it remained in the hands of the King. Has also received 25 
marks for one year's rent, the Lord Warden being owner, dear value 
is 34" lOJ^**. The Lord Warden has now sold the manor to William 
Kenslye, reserving to himself the rent of 25 marcs unless the prior or 
his suocessprs recover it by lawful judgment in the Kings courts. Asks 
him to assist him so that the Lord Warden may reform his indenture : 
and desires credence for the bearer. Michelham 4 May 1535. 

WT Add. MS8., 6,681 ; Pat., 25o Hy. VIU., p. 1. [Coi.]. 
» ** Letters and Papers of Heniy VIII.'» 



HISTORY OP HAIL8HAM. 193 

William Kenchley was succeeded by his son John, 
who, dying in 1563, left the manor to his wife, who 
appears to have married again, as in 1580 ^ Peter 
Woodgate died seised of 4 acres in Hailsham held of 
Elizabeth Howse, widow, as of her manor of Otham. 
^Burrell says that in 10"* Elizabeth the manor was held 
by Mr. Gage, Mr. Darrell and Mr. Rootes in trust for 
Mr. Kensley, and that in 1601 Abraham Kenchly by 
will devised, all the manor to James Snow, his sister^s 
son, and made him executor; if he do not prove the 
will within a year he makes Kenchley Aley his heir : in 
1610 James Thetcher, of Priesthawes, and John Ellis 
obtain the manor from James Rootes, of Alciston, and 
Thomas Rootes, of Lincoln's Inn, gentlemen, and John 
Snow, of Otham, yeoman, and Elizabeth, his wife ; and 
in 1637 John Thetcher was lord of the manor. That 
Thatcher held land of the manor is true, but I doubt if 
Burrell is correct in assigning the manor to him ; at any 
rate the manor of Otham was amongst the possessions of 
James Rootes, recusant, granted in 1626 to Shemaia Sel- 
hershe, but apparently recovered, as James Rootes, junior, 
in a "^^ deposition maae in 1670 states that about 46 years 
previously James Rootes was lord of the manor ana that 
after his death he himself held the manor for ten years, 
till he sold it to Edmund Calverley and Richard Acton, 
which must have been some time between 1646, when 
*** James Rootes, Esq., lord of the manor of Ottham, granted 
a cottage and orchard in Hailsham to Robert Duplocke, 
and 1654, when "*^ Edmund Calverley released the manor 
and farm to Richard Acton for £1,500. John Acton, son 
of this Richard, was lord of the manor in 1661, and eight 
years later the Court Rolls commence; there is also for the 
same date a rental, which is amongst the deeds belonging 
to the Sussex Archaeological Society preserved at Lewes : 

Ottham : ^ ^^^ ^^^ perfect rental, 29<» Oct. 1669. 

John Duncke gent, and Nicholas Selwyn gent, for the 

Mounts, 44 acres, near Swynes hill, in tenure of Henry 

Wymarke. And for Famstreete, 43 acres, and Cuts 

croftes, in the hands of Thomas Selwyn Esq 



3M* 



Chancery Inq., 209-67. « Add. MSS., 5,681. « Court Rolls. 

O 



194 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 



John Duncke gent, for Partridge Thome near Swynes 

Hill ; bounded by the Mounts to the South, the highway 

to the North, and Famstreete to the West 

Bichard Lewes and Anne his wife daughter of John 

Akeherst gent, for Fowlegate 

Eliz. Paine widow, relict of Thos. Sherwyn for Duddletone 

and Cherrycroft 

Edw. Paine Esq. for Swynes late M' Wm. Newmans. . . . 
Heirs of Eich. Winter for Hephale late Porters and before 

Giles, now in tenure of James Sherwyn 

Anne Winter for little Millands, in tenure of Eioh. Thetcher 
John Hony gent, for Bakers adjoining Moorebrooke .... 

Moses French for Dinesland late Bakers 

Thos. Browning for Collingcroft late John Akehersts. . . . 

same for house, barn and lands called Thunders, late 
Abraham Sherwyns 

same for Dynes croft at the Tolls in Hailsham, late 

Edlows 

Thos. Bathe for Snowes croft 

John Pym for Motts 

same for house and bam called Bergecroft 

Edw. Piddlesden in right of his wife, daughter of Thos, 

Browning, for Haslewoods 

John Diplocke for Colliers late Wilkins and before Lucas 
Boger Fillery for Drewes adjoining Moorebrooke late 

Abr. Thomas 

Wm. Milton for lands in Hailsham sometime Greenfields 
Thos. Asheson ^ent. and Thos. Lumley gent, for Merry- 

f eilds, late Mues 

same for Bentons alias the Totts adjoining Merryfeilds 
Stephen Sumner gent for Great Millands, in tenure of 

Eich. Thetcher 

Henry HaJl for land in Arlington late Clerkes and before 

Euddocks 

John Eeene for land adjoining Merryfeilds 

Jane Easton for a copyhold cottage at Fowlegate 



Total 



20* relief 

20» 
20«heriot 

6- 

16«3* 

12* 

6- 

i3» 4* 
IS-* 
3- 
4' 

lO** 

4« 

2' 
4^* 
12* 

6« 
12'* 
13*» 
B^ 
6« 
26«8'* 

12'* 

2* 

4* 

£8. 19. 9 



The first-mentioned piece of land — the Mounts cdias 
Mounse — was the occasion in 1686 of an ^action by- 
John Acton, son of the above-mentioned John, against 
John Duncke for quit rent. Millands, the next most 
important item on the rental, also gave rise to a law 



«« Exch. Dep. by Com., !<> Jas. II., Mich. ! 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAK. 195 

suit, ""John Wenham, vicar of Hailsham in 1670, claim- 
ing tithes thereon against Richard Thetcher, who at that 
time held the land. In the course of this suit Tobias 
Gyles of Aldfriston, gent, deposes that among the writings 
of Mr. Rootes, late lord of the manor of Otham, is a wul 
of one Kensley, formerly lord of the manor, leaving 
Great Millands to Abraham Kensley as demesne lands 
of Otham ; and another deed of 10° Elizabeth, by which 
Wm. and Abr. Kensley sold to John Russell of Aldfriston 
lands called Great Millands, containing 40 acres. Thomas 
Stapely, husbandman, deposes that some 35 years since he 
was servant to one Master French, who held Little Mel- 
lands. ®* Little Millands came to Anne Bamet, widow, by 
grant of her father, Nicholas Winter, previous to 1 680, and 
at the court of 1716 the death of Thomas Barnet, her son, 
is presented, ^^unus juvencus, anglice a Runt," having 
been seized as heriot ; John Hicks purchased the estate 
from his heirs and was succeeded by his son William in 
1778. Great Millands were alienatea by Stephen Sumner 
in 1679 to John Mawson of London, goldsmith; in 1739 
is presented the death of Wm. Woodhams, who held 
Great Milland, late Thatchers, Walter Woodhams being 
his son and heir; Walter dying in 1780 the estate passed 
to his ^eldest son William, after whose death, presented 
in 1827, four successive incumbents of South MalKng 
held it: 1827, Rev. Ch. Harison; 1832, Rev. T. Oliver 
Goodchild; 1839, Rev. Henry Watkins; 1842, Rev. Wm. 
Courthope, who is the last owner mentioned. 

The rent of 25 marcs formerly payable to the prior of 
Michelham had upon the dissolution of that monastery 
fallen to the Crown, and in 1670 the "^Trustees for the 
sale of Fee-farm Rents sold to John Lyndsay, goldsmith, 
of London, and John Kent of Westminster, amongst 
other rents, £16. 13s. 4d. for Ottham, payable by John 
Acton. This rent had on two previous occasions had the 

<» Exch. Dep. by Com., 22o Ghas. n., Mich. 15, and 22o and 23o Ch. II., 
Hil. 10. 

»* In an article on " Borough English " in " S.A.O.,** Vol. VT., the custom is 
said to hold in the manor of Otham, but the Court Bolls show that this is not so. 

»» Glaus., 250 Ch. II. [Col.]. 

o 2 



196 HISTOET OF HAILSHAM. 

honour of forming part of a queen's income, being settled 
by "'Henry VIII. on Anne of Cleves, and by "^Charles 
II. in 1663 on Queen Catherine. By a ^lease of 1692 
John Acton of Ripe, gent, for £900 grants to John Fuller 
of Waldron, Esq., and his heirs for ever 100 acres of 
land in Hailsham of the demesne of the manor of Otham, 
John Fuller to pay £4 Lord's rent, and 30s. tithes in 
discharge of the rent of £16. 13s. 4d. due from John 
Acton to the Crown. 

*"In 1694 John Acton sold the manor to Thomas 
Medley, of Coneyburrows, near Lewes, Esq., with whose 
descendants it remained for 180 years. "®The Medleys 
were an ancient family originally settled in Yorkshire 
and apparently connected with the family of Thornhill, 
who, with several other Yorkshire families claimed descent 
from Asolf, a large landowner of Henry I.'s time. They 
bore for arms : arg. two bars gemeUes and in chief 3 
mullets sable (a variation — sa. 2 bars gemelles, arg. on a 
chief of the second 3 mullets of the ground — ^was also 
used concurrently) and a crest, granted to Robert Medley 
of London, in 1580, a tiger sejeant vert, tufted and 
maned or. Benedict Medley, of Warwickshire, was clerk 
of the signet to Henry Vil., and his eldest daughter 
married Thomas Shuckburgh, whose descendant in the 
ninth degree married the eventual heiress of the Medley 
family in 1785. Thomas Medley, the first of the family 
in Sussex, was second son of Thomas, who was son of 
John Medley by his wife Mswy, daughter of John 
Alchom, of Boughton Monchensy, in Kent; he was 
owner of many manors and steward for a number of 
others ; in his portrait, which with others of his family 
is preserved at Buxted, he is represented sitting near a 
bookcase on which are a score of books with the name 
of a manor on the back of each. He was succeeded in 

» Pat., 320 Heniy VIH., p. 6, m. 10 ICal']. 
w Claufl., 15« Car. H. [Ca^]. 
» Add. MSB., 3,651. 
» Add. MSS., 5,681. 

■^ For information concerning the Medleys and for the pedigree I am indebted 
to the kindness of Lord Hawkesbury. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 197 

1728 by his son Thomas, who died four years later; the 
three eldest sons of the latter dying without issue the 
Otham and other Sussex estates passed to George Medley 
and on his death in 1796 to his niece Julia Annabelta 
Evelyn and her husband Sir George Au^stus William 
ShucKburgh, Bart. ; their daughter and heir Julia Evelyn 
Medley Shuckburgh-Evelyn carried the estate by marriage 
to the Hon. Charles Cecu Cope Jenkinson, subsequently 
Earl of Liverpool. There being again no heir male, the 
Medley estates were divided amongst the three daughters 
of the Earl of Livei-pool, the manor of Otham remaining 
in the hands of trustees for nearly 30 years, as appears 
from the court books in which for 1858 Rear- Admiral 
Octavius Vernon Harcourt, Egerton Vernon Harcourt, 
Esq., The Rt. Hon. Earl de la Warr, Rt. Hon. Thomas 
Earl of Zetland, Rev. Charles Grey Cotes and the Hon. 
Thomas Pryce Lloyd are lords of the manor; and in 
1878 Egerton Vernon Harcourt, Esq. (surviving trustee 
for Lady Catherine Julia's marriage settlements), Hon. 
Ch. Wm. Wentworth Fitz- William, Cecil George Savile 
Foljambe, Esq., Ch. Cecil Cotes, Esq., Hy. Beilby Wm. 
Milner, Esq. (trustees for Lady Selina Charlotte), Hon. 
Hy. Wm. Berkeley Portman and Rev. Richard Hugh 
Cnolmondeley (trustees for Lady Louisa Harriet) were 
lords. In 1879 the manor was sold to the Duke of 
Devonshire, in whose family it still remains. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

MiCHELHAM Priory was founded in 1229 by Gilbert de 
Aquila, third of that name and fourth lord of Pevensey 
of his family. The site chosen was at a bend of the 
river Cuckmere in the parish of Arlington, about half a 
mile from the boundary of Hailsham parish ; the river 
was with little trouble converted into a broad moat, 
which afforded both protection and fish to the monastery. 
Above the priory on the west and north was the great 
forest of the Dicker, afterwards to perish in the furnace 
of the iron founder ; on the east and south, separated 
only by the common, now known as Milton Hide, but 
then called ^^the Hake" — or 'Hhe land enclosed with a 
hedge " — was another great forest, of which the extensive 
remains still commemorate in their titles of "Abbot's 
Wood" and "Wilmington Wood" their former owners, 
the Abbot of the great house of Battle and the Prior of 
the alien monastery of Wilmington. Yet Michelham 
was not so out oi the world as one would at first 
suppose, or even as it now is, for but a couple of 
hundred yards away ran what was then the main road 
firom Lewes and from the Cuckmere valley to Battle and 
the ports of Hastings, Rye and Winchelsea, and, as we 
shall see, the priory had many visitors, whom to entertain 
seriously taxed their resources. Mr. Lower's suggestion 
that Michelham took its name from having been the 
residence of Gilbert de Aquila, the first lord of Pevensey, 
"who was called Gislebertus Magnus — Saxonice Michel," 
appears to have no foundation save the imagination of an 
ingenious etymologist. 

As in the case of Otham I give a short ^pedigree of 
the founder's descent, though in this case the relation- 
ships are neither so puzzling nor so important ; I believe, 
however, that no pedigree even so full as this, which is 
certainly not perfect, has been published. 

Ml The authorities are : Rev. G. M. Cooper, in " S.A.C," Vol. VI., the 
" Calendar of Documents in France illustratiYe of the Histoiy of Great Britain," 
and charters quoted in this volume. 



. .ml! ; 



!'::• r-' ■■■• 









t L.: 



.ij. »i < I '-i( 'I'M-' - 



... . . J . ,. 

' ■ .' • I • ■ 1 • ■ ' I ■ i 

: :- ;:. . 1 i) tlic 

1-' . .ii'M oi' an 



.1- ■ . ,. . .• ■: :•, ; i l.<r'\.-. 

:;.'♦..•: • ^ i . , .. ..III.'' .. I 



I •■• I 



." 1. v: I 




w 
p^ 

O 

P4 

M 

Eh 

o 

P^ 

w 






HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 199 



Ingenulf de AqtLila,s^Richoereda. 
or Engarran de TAigle, 
feU at Hastings, 1066. 



Gilbert. Richer.=YJadith, Bobert. 

da. of Bic. de Abrincis 
and siBter of Hugh, £. of Chester. 



Gilbert^ 



obtained the 
Lordship of Pevensey. 



=Jiiliana, 

da. of GeofErejr, 

Earl of Mortaine. 



1 1 

Eicher.=y=Edelina. Engenulf and Geoffrey, 

lost in the wreck of the 

I ** White Ship," 1120. 

I 

I . I 

Bicher. Gilbert.=?= Engenulf, Nicholas, 

died 1205. clerk. Dean of Chichester, 

I 1190. 

I ^ rn 

Gilbert,=l8abeUa de Warrenne. Sons and daughters, 

forfeited his lands 
by going over to 
Normandy, 1235. 

From the royal license of foundation it would seem 
that Michelham was in a manner a daughter house of 
the Augustinian New Priory at Hastings — afterwards 
removed to Warbleton — as the prior of that establish- 
ment appears to have been entrusted by Gilbert de 
Aquila with the settlement of his new monastery: 

•**The Kinff to his well-beloved Gilbert de Aquila greeting &c. We 
have beard that for the welfare of our soul &c. you nave proposed to 
our beloved in Christ the prior and canons of Hastings to give, 80 
acres of land with appurtenances in Michelham, and your wood of 
Peverse, and 38' rent, and 80 acres of marsh in Heylesham and the 
parsonage of the church of Heylesham and of the church of ""Lacton, 
and 20 acres of meadow in Wilendon, and pasture in Brul and Diker 
and pannage for their pigs in the coppice {hndliis) of Lacton, to found 
a house of religion at Michelham. And as we are given to understand 
that without our consent and goodwill y^ou would by no means think of 
making this grant, be it known to you that we have agreed that your 
proposal have our royel consent and favour. In witness of which 
these our letters patent. 

Witness my hand; at Westminster 10'^ day of March 13'*» year of 
our reign. 

The actual charter of endowment is given by Dugdale : 

I Gilbert, Lord Aquila, by the permission of King Henry III., for 
the welfare of my soul and the souls of Isabella my wife and of my 
children, of my brothers and sisters, of my ancestors and my descen- 
dants, have given to God and the church of the Holy Trinity of 

»** Pat., 130 Henry III., m. 7. "» Laughton. 



200 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Michelham, and to the prior and convent of canons serving God in 
that place ; all my demesne of Micheleham and my park of Peverse 
with the bondmen, rents and other appurtenances ; and 80 acres of 
marsh in Hajlesham ; and 20 acres of meadow in Wilendune ; and 
pasture in the Diker and in the Broyle of Legton and other woods 
m Sussex for 60 head of cattle ; and pannage for 100 pigs in mj said 
woods ; and timber for the building and repair of the said chiirch and 
buildings and for fences, to be taken under the view of mv foresters ; 
and the advowsons of the churches of Legton and Hajlesham. And 
because the memory of man is treacherous, in order that this my gift 
may be for ever valid and unshaken I have affixed my seal to mis 
charter. 

Witness: Simon de Echingham, Wm. de Munceux, Jordan de 
Saukeville, Eobert de AlberviUe, Wm. Botevillayn, Helias de Gaugi, 
Walrand Maufe, John Gulafre, Eobt. de Horstede, Bobt. de Manekesye, 
Thos. de Bistenover, Bic. de la Oare, Bemigius de Bosco, Simon 
Burgedse. 

Of the donations thus made, part of the land at 
Michelham had been recovered by exchange from the 
Abbey of Bayham in 1219 by Grilbert, whose father had 
been a benefactor of that Abbey while at Otham ; con- 
cerning the park of Pevensey Mr. Cooper says : '^Vestiges 
of this ancient park may even yet be traced in the earthen 
embankment, about twenty nve feet wide and six feet 
high, by which it was once enclosed and which still 
remains entire to a very considerable extent. Beginning 
at the Upper Dicker it runs westward to Wick Street, 
and after some interruption resmnes its course to the 
south at Sessingham Bridge till it reaches Cane Heath ; 
there turning eastward it skirts Milton Hide to the stream 
which separates the demesne from Tilehouse farm ; this 
stream rimning north till it joins the Cuckmere forms the 
northern and north-west boundary as far as the priory." 
That this park with its abundance of game was sometimes 
an occasion of ofltence and a temptation to the Prior's 
neighbours may be seen from such entries as the following: 

^1303, Pardon, on account of liis services is Scotland, to Thomas 
son of Thomas Colpeper of Brenchesle for breaking the park of 
Michilham; 1309, •"Order to Eoeer le Brabanzon to release Eobert 
atte Pitte, John son of Eichard Te Fishere and Luke Hanecok who 
have been imprisoned for three years for trespass in the park of the 
prior of Michelham ; 1313, •^'Pardon at the request of Queen Isabella 

»** Pat., 310 Edw. I., m. 2 [Col.]. **• CUub., 2* Edw. n., m. 13 ICal,^, 

•" Pat., 70 Edw. II., p. 1, m. 15 [CoZ.]. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 201 

granted, on acoount of his good sendee to Edward I. and to the King, 
to William de Merle, bastard, for breaking the parks of Wyrmyng- 
hnrst, Uhirst and Michelham and hunting therein; and as late as 
1695, *^^ Peter Piddlesden, John Oeale and John Fuller are fined 5" 
each as being '' communes yenatores, anglice potchers." 

In addition to these gifts the founder also gave the 
manor of Chinting, near Seaford, as appears from a 
charter of confirmation given by Henry III. in 1231 : 

"^We haye confirmed to the prior and canons of the church of the 
Holy Trinity at Michelham that they and their successors and their 
men of their manors of Michelham and Ghiltinges, which they hold by 
the gift of Gilbert de Aquila, maybe for oyer quit of shires and 
hun£*eds and sheriff's aid. 

These rights were several times called in question ; in 
1262 the **• Hundred of Thille presented that the Prior of 
Michilham holds view of frank pledge at Heylisham, 
Chinting and Michelham, but by what title they know 
not ; the Prior produced the above charter and paid 40" 
to have his rights confirmed, Osbert Huse and Master 
Gilbert of Ferles, being his pledges. The next case is 
found on the Hundred Kolls : 

Hundred of Foxbrewe : 

The prior of Muchulham has withdrawn sendee of 25 tenants of his 
manor of Ghyntynge for the last six years, to the annual loss to the 
hundred of 5*. 

Also the prior holds the assize of bread and beer in his manor of 
Chintyng, by what right is not known. 

Both of these points are accordingly inquired into at 
the "^Eyre of 1278, when the Prior defends successfully 
the rights of his manors and denies that he holds the 
assize of bread and beer, but is convicted of so doing 
and fined. "^^In 1287 the Prior is again fined for 
enforcing illegal privileges, but whether his action was 
based on a claim of foreshore rights or on what I am not 
certain: 

A man of Seford hayinff been drowned in the sea, his body was cast 
up on the shore, and when news of his death was brought they 

3^7 Court BoUb of Michelham Parkgate. 

»*8 Dugdale'8 " Monasticon." 

^ Assize RoU, 912. 

^ Assize Boll, 914 ; also '* Quo Warranto." 

>" Assize Roll, 924. 



204 HISTOKY OF HAILSHAM. 

Prior of Michelliam : 

£ 8. d. £ 8. d. 

At Michilham 7 Kymindon (vei 

Ghintingee 20 Gumiton) 1 6 8 

Marsh, with appurten- Holewjk 3 

anoes 17 What Lucy EusBell 

Isemhurst 2 receives from her 

From the land of la tazmery during her 

Oorie 2 life 4 

Egglesdon 2 From the monks of 

Brithelmeston 5 Bekham 16 13 4 

Total £80. 

Temporalities of the Prior of Michelham ) ^, q ^ 
from certain land in Cudenne J 

This shows an income equivalent in modem money to 
about £1,500. Of the various items, la Cone is ^* Little 
Curry," in Downash Manor, near Rickney; "^in 1353 
" the water-course leading from Connemarsh to Landrich 
is blocked at the bridge of Courie, which is broken and 
the water-course filled with mud ; the bridge should be 
repaired by the tenants of the prior of Michelham, John 
Hunte and others; so the prior is fined 40^." Kymindon 
and Grumiton appear to be two of the numerous aliases of 
Jevington, the second being, perhaps, a misreading for 
Griuinton; the first is explained by the ^^ Testa de Neville," 
in which Jevington is ccilled Chiuinton and no doubt it was 
so written in the rough copy of this *^ Taxatio," but when 
the returns were all enrolled together whoever dictated 
this list pronounced the Ch hard, a mistake which he 
repeated m the next item, converting -wyche into -wyk. 
Egglesdon is conjectured by Mr. Cooper to be Heseldon, 
which we have seen was Asndown Forest. It is not quite 
clear whether the Priory had a life interest in Lucy 
Russell's tannery or the reversion thereof, but her life 
must have been near its close if she was the Lucy, wife 
of William Russell, who gave land in Holwiche 62 years 
before this date. 

During the reigns of Edward II. and III. considerable 
accessions were made to the property of the Priory, ^a 
mortmain license to hold 20 marcs of land not held of 
the King in chief being obtained in 1315, Nigel Payne 

»» ABBize RoU, 941. «» Pat., 9« Edw. H., p. 1, m. 29 ICcU.}. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 205 

at the same time giving ^^ 5 acres of land in Erlington 
which he holds of Wm. de Cessyngham who holds of 
Francis de Aldeham who holds of the Barony of L' Aigle, 
and which are worth in all 10^ : " retaining a messuage 
and 25 acres in Hailsham, of which 6 acres are held of 
Thos. de Bosco and 19 of the Abbot of Grrestein.**^ 
Next year the following grants were made : 

•"John de Hydenye: 26 acres in Haylesliam held of Nicholas le 
Hwyte who holds of the Priory of Michelham who hold of the Dean 
and Chapter of Chichester who hold of the Barony of Aquila and the 
Barony holds of the King : value 13*. 

Henry Paulyn : 5 acres there held of Priory of Michelham &c : 
value 2' 6*. 

John son of John de Bedemale de Beverineton : 27 acres of land 
and 2 acres of meadow in Erlington held of ^'^nn. Stac^e who holds of 
Francis de Aldeham who holds of the king : value 6" 6*. 

Simon Lewyne : 82^ acres 1 rood of land and 3" 6* rent in Haylesham 
and Erlyngton ; 1 3^ acres held of Fr. de Aldeham, value 23^ ; 1 2 acres 
1 rood and 3* 6^ rent in Haylesham held of Priory of Michelham &c, 
value 6" ; 7 acres there held of Thomas Lytlyngton who holds of the 
Bishop of Chichester who holds of the King, value 9^. 

Nicholas de Holewich : 4 acres in Sefford held of Barony of Aquila ; 
value 16*. 

Laurence de Chillye: 11' 2 J* rent in Manekesie held of Priory of 
Michelham &c. 

John Dobbes : 4' 11** rent in Hailsham. 

Subsequent donations are : 

1322. ^John atte See, 24 acres in Arlington: Simon Lewyne, 8 
acres in Hailsham : Nich. le Longe, 12 acres in Hailsham : John de 
Dallyngeregge, 20 acres in Westham. 

1323. "^Andrew Maufe, 40 acres in Folkington and 10 acres in 
Hailsham. 

1324. •« Andrew Maufe, 100 acres in Westham, value 20". 

1328. •"John Dunsy : 20 acres in Horseye held of the Priory of 
Michelham, who hold &c; value 10": 15 acres in Manekesie held of 
the Priory by service of 18* and half a pound of pepper, they hold 
with other lands of the Dean and Chapter by service of £10; value 

»i Inq. a.q.d., 8« Edw. H., 52. 

^ Inq. a.q.d., IQo Edw. H., 129, and Pat., W Edw. H., p. 2, m. 24 ICal.]. 
*» Pat., 160 Edw. n., p. 1, m. 27 ICcU.^, 
w* Pat., 170 Edw. II., p. 2, m. 10 [Cal,}. 
«« Pat., ISO Edw. II., p. 2, m. 30 ICal.'], 

*» Inq. p.m., 2o Edw. III., p. 2, 124. On Priesthawea estates are two fields 
called '* Great and Little Dunce," possibly the laud thus given. 



206 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

3* 9"* : — ^there remains to said Tolin a messuage and a camcate of land 
in Manekesie held of the Chancery of Chichester. 

1331. "^ Philip de Endelenewyk: 16 acres in Westhamme held of 
Thos. atte Wode who holds them with other lands there and in 
Jevinton of Nicholaa de Aldehamme by service of one •"small fee of 
Moreton, Nicholaa holds of Queen Philippa as of the Barony of 
Aquila ; worth 2* 8'' and increase of 2' and not more because the land 
is covered with brushwood : 12 acres in Haylesham held of the Priory 
&c; worth S** and increase of 1** : 1 acre of meadow in Wylyndon 
held of Isabella de Bohun who holds of Simon de Echingham who 
holds of the King as of the Barony of Aquila; worth 6**, not more 
because it is marshy : 8 acres in Hailesham held of the Priory by 
service of half a pound of incense paid to the Prior and 13"^ paid to 
Queen Philippa at the Queen's Court of Pevenese on behalf of the 
Prior who holds of the Queen ; worth 21** and increase of 3*. 

1334. "^The same: 15 acres in Horseye : Wm. de Sessingham 8 
acres in Arlington. 

1340. '^Ph. de Endlenewyk: a messuage and 79 acres 1 rood in 
Haylesham held of the Abbot of Battle who holds of the King in 
frankalmoign as of his manor of Alsiston; worth 13" 8^', 2 acres are 
sterile and woody. 

The land thus given by the last charter was no doubt 
Coolbrook, which we have seen (p. 93) was held of Battle 
Abbey by the Prior of Michelham, who also held ^^land 
called le Lepelond " near Leap Cross, and : 

"^^ Certain lands called Hopperslond, bounded by the King's highway 
from Haylesham to Skokislove on the north-east, by the lajids of John 
Cogger called Tunmannes of the demesne fee on the north-west, by the 
land of Julian Belsant of the fee of Wyllyngdon to the south, and by the 
lands formerly of Thomas Steven held by the prior of the demesne fee 
to the west : he owes for rent at Easter 16*^ and at Michaelmas 16', and 
for heriot when it occurs 13* 4** and relief when it occurs, and court 
service, and holds freely. 

The ^^Nonae" returns of 1341 contains the following 
references : 

Erlingtone : — The prior of Michelham has in the said parish a manor 
and 3 carucates of land from which the ninth part of the sheaves is 
worth per annum 2 marcs : Item the ninth of the fleeces of the said 
prior is worth per annum 16"*: Item the prior has no lambs in the 
parish. 

»7 Inq. p.m., S^ Edw. ni., p. 2, 136. 

*^ The question of the *^ parva feoda de Moreton " is a puzzling one and still 
remains imanswered at present. 
"• Inspeximtts : Pat., 13» Henry IV., p. 2, m. 4. 
w Inq. p.m., 14 Edw. III., p. 2, 46. 
»n Aug. Off. Misc. Books, 57. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 207 

Sutton near Sefford : From tlie monks in the said parisli, viz. : from 
the prior of Muchelham, 102' 6^ 

Maghefeld: — ^The ninth sheaf from the farm of the prior of 
Muchelham is worth this year 10*. 

Brightelmestone : The ninth part of the sheaves and fleeces of the 
prior of Michelham is worth 30" 4**. 

In 1377 the convent received an important grant, 
of which I give the inquisition, as affording valuable 
information concerning the landowners of the time : 

•"An Inquisition was held at Haylesham before Thomas de lUeston 
eschaetor, on the oath of Thomas atte Chambre Thomas Byngelegh 
John Jop John Basset Richard atte Fryht Richard Brokeshutt John 
atte Been Robert atte Chambre Robert Broun Galfrid atte Brigge and 
William Nyewman who say that it is not to the detriment of the King 
or of any other that the King should allow Robert de Wenlyngburgh 
parson of the church of Hurstmonceux John Spicer parson of the 
church of Hertefeld Richard Stonhurst chaplain and Roger Gosselyn 
to grant and assign to the Prior and Convent of Mechelham : 80 acres 
of land and 39 acres of heath in Hilyngelegh of which 35 acres of 
land are held directly of the Abbey of Battle by service of 2* 6* and 
the Abbey hold in frankalmoign of the Honor of AquiLa ; and 40 acres 
of land are held directly of the Abbey of Begham by service of 2' and 
they hold in frankalmoign of Thomas de Sakevilles and he of the 
Honor ; and 42 acres of which 36 are held of Philip de Sessyngham 
for 3* 3* and he holds of Abbey of Begham for 1* and they as above, 
and 6 acres are held of Johanna late the wife of Richard Hurst for 6*^ 
and she holds of the Honor. And each acre of arable land of the 
said 80 acres is worth bej'ond reprises 2** and each acre of heath ^*. 
And they say that 1 8 acres of land and 80 acres of heath in Hailesham 
and Erlyngton are held directly of the Priory of Lewes for 10* and 
service every three weeks at the Prior's court of Langeneye with relief 
and heriot, and they hold of the Honor, and each acre is worth beyond 
reprises i^. Also a messuage and 77 acres 3 roods of arable land and 
12** rent in Jevington are held of John Senytcler knight for J** and an 
annual payment to sheriffs' aid of 21 J** and Service in the Court of the 
said John at Gevynton every three weeks and he holds of the Honor ; 
and the said messuage is worth nothing beyond reprises and each acre 
of land is worth 2*; and 17 acres of land in Gevynton are held of John 
atte Doune Thomas Hendyman and John Aumbrave paying to said 
John 20* to Thomas 16** and to John Aumbraye 7J^ and they hold of 
John Senytclere. Also 20 acres of land and 2^ acres of meadow in 
Wyllyngdon are held of Lord de la Warre by 20* and he holds of the 
King ; and 1 8 acres of land and 3 acres of meadow there are held of 
William Bartelot for IS'* and William holds of the lord of Burne; and 
6 acres of land there are held of William Morping for 2* and he holds 
of the Honor for 6* j and each acre of the 1 6 acres of land in Gevynton 
is worth 2* and each acre in Willyngdon 3* and each acre of meadow 

wa Inq. p.m., 51«> Edw. HI., p. 2, 49. 



208 raSTOEY OP HAILSHAM. 

6"*. And another messuage and 100 acres of land 49 acres of wood 10 
acres of heath and 8** rent in Waldem are held of John Brocas as of 
the manor of Byp for 5' and he holds of the Honor: and the messuage 
is worth nothing beyond reprises and each acre of land 2^ and each of 
wood 1' and of heath i'^. And a messuage and 74 acres of land in 
Westham of which 14 acres are marsh and of these 14, 7 are held 
directly of the Honor for 6' S** and the remaininfi^ 7 of Thomas atte 
Mille for 3* and he holds of the Priory of Michelham for 2* and they 
in frankalmoign of the Honor : the messuage is worth nothing, each 
acre of marsh 8"^. Also 8 acres of land in Westham are held of Amice 
Olaryrige for 3* and she holds of the Honor, and 5 acres there are 
held of the heirs of John Hunt for 20^ and they hold of the lord of 
^^Mdecourt; and each acre is worth 1'. And 20 acres are held directly 
of William Alman for 5* 3** and he holds of the Honor ; and each acre 
is worth 1^. And 27 acres, besides a messuage and £4. 9. 3 rent of 
assize, there are held directly of the Priory of Michelham for 2* 4^ and 
they hold in frankalmoign of the Honor, and each acre is worth 1'. 
And aU these 3 messuages lands &o in the vills of Gevynton Willyngdon 
Waldem and Westham Alice Clayvrigge holds for the term of her 
life. Also it will be to the detriment of none to allow the grant of 73 
acres of land 12 acres of meadow pasture for 100 sheep and 21' of 
rent in Wyllyngdon of which each acre of land is wortii 1** each of 
meadow 6"* the pasture for 100 sheep 3': and aU these Philip de 
Sessingham holds for the term of his life with reversion to the said 
Bobert John Eichard and Eoger after his death, and remainder to 
said Prior and Convent and their successors; of which one acre of 
land is l^eld directly of the manor of Fokynton for 4^ and the manor 
holds of the Honor; and 12 acres are held of Thomas de Bademylde 
for 10' and he holds of the Prioiy of Michelham for one pound of 
com. And of William de Hedenye are held 6 acres for 20"^, and of 
Philip Mestede knight 4 acres for 6', and of Kichard Hereward 2 
acres for 9"*, and of Eobert Jop 1 acre for 6^, and they hold of the 
Honor. And 3 acres of land and 3 acres of meadow are held of 
the Dean and Chapter of Chichester for 3' 6** and the rest of the land 
of the Priory of Michelham for 10^ and the Priory in frankalmoign of 
the Honor. And they say that the said Eobert de Wenlyngburgh 
John Spicer and Eichard Stonhurst are chaplains and have no other 
lands, but Eoger GK>sselyn has a messuage and a carucate of land of 
a different tenure which suffice for the services due both for the said 
lands which he is granting and for other lands which he retains. 

The list of grants is brought to a conclusion by the 
following : 

1395. "^^At request of Eichard E. of Arundel the King gives the 
Prior of Michelham leave to hold a further 10 marcs of land. In full 
satisfaction of which the following gifts are granted : 

Wm. Battesford Eoger Gbsselyn and Eic. Spenser citizen and tailor 
of London : 8 messuages 6 tofts, 264 acres of land, 2' 9^ rent, pasture 

*^ Old Court manor in Herstmonceux. 

»w Inq. p.m., 15° Ric. II., p. 2, 168 ; and Pat., 16 Eic. n., p. 2, m. 25 [CoZ.]. 



HI8T0BT OF HAJUSHAM. 209 

for 60 beasts from Easter to Micliaelmas, and pasture for 80 sheep, 
with appurtenances in SefiFbrd and Sutton near SefPord; and John 
Cartere, Will. Oartere and Tho' Thunder their serfs. 

John Spicer and the said Koger : 1 messuage, 60 acres 3 roods of 
land, 63 acres of brushwood, and 6* rent in Hajlesham Hellinglj 
Erlyngton and Brighthelmeston. 

The same John and Boger: 2 messuages, 140 acres of land, 64 
acres brushwood, 4" 3* 10* rent, pasture for 400 sheep, in Westhamme 
and Jevyngton, which Alice Clavrigge holds for life of said John and 
Eoger and which on the death of fiie said Alice should revert to the 
said John and Eoger. 

"^"An inquisition made in 1283 — ^Wm. Maufe, Robt. de 
Passelegh, John de Mounceus and John de Iweregge 
being amongst the jurors — showed that ^^the prior of 
Michelham has by grant of Gilbert de Aquila, K)rmerly 
Baron of the Honor of Aquila, and ought to have, reason- 
able provision of timber for the repair and necessary 
restorations (de novo faciendas — the exact equivalent of 
"restoration" as applied at the present time to ancient 
buildings) of his buildings in the manor of Michelham, 
and wood for fencing and firewood, &c. (as in the charter), 
but now Joan, who was the wife of Robert de Caunvill, 
prevents him from exercising his privileges." Accordingly 
the Prior brings an "^^ action against Joan and recovers 
his rights. A similar case is shown in the following 
undated petition, apparently of Edward II.'s time : 

•^^To our lord the King sheweth the prior and the poor convent of 
Michelham that whereas they ought to have sufficient uvery of timber 
for their church and buildings of Michelham and housbote and heybote 
in the woods which belonged to GKlberd formerly lord of the Honor of 
the Egle by charter of the said Qilberd, which the King confirmed, — 
when they brought a writ of Chancery to Master John de Bedeswelle, 
wa^en of the woods and of other lands late of the Queen, he would 
not give them livery for any writ of Chancery ; for which they pray a 
remedy. 

Endorsed : Let a suit be brought by writ to settle the matter. 

^®0n the 16th June, 1283, the Priory received a visit 
from the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had spent the 

Srevious day at Battle, and left next day for Bexhill and 
tattle, returning on the 18th to Michelham apparently, 
and leaving again next day for Rochester. While he 

w Inq. p.m., 22<» Bdw. I., 144. »" Ancient Petitions, 1331. 

'w Coram Rege, 23o Edw. I., Trin., 26. ^ Peckham Register. 

P 



210 HISTORT OF HAILSHAM. 

was at Michelham John de Kyrkeby, Bishop-elect of 
Rochester, came to him and resigned his claims to the 
bishopric — the Archbishop having refused him conse- 
cration as a notorious pluralist — he, however, subsequently 
obtained the richer see of Ely. Apparently the state of 
the Priory was not altogether satisfactory, as the Arch- 
bishop afterwards sent a letter to the Archdeacon of 
Lewes empowering him to levy fines of 40* imposed at 
the late visitation on the convents of Michelham and 
Hastings for non-residence and other causes. 

"^^ Nearly twenty years later, September 14th, 1302, 
Michelham was honoured, and probably inconvenienced, 
by the presence of royalty, Edward I. spending the night 
at the Priory on his way from Lewes to Battle ; unfortu- 
nately the portion of the household account relating to 
this part of his journey is lost. 

In 1317 *"" Robert Henry who served the late king is 

sent to the prior and convent of Michelham to receive 

his maintenance." This simple and economical method 

of rewarding their old retainers by billeting them on 

some monastery was much in favour with the kings 

of this time, effective ^^ old a^e pensions" being 

obtained at the cost of a few lines on a piece of 

parchment and a little sealing-wax, without even 

bringing a frown to the placid brow of the Chancellor 

of the Exchequer; it was not, however, so popular 

with the monasteries, and in this case the Prior 

vigorously protested and was therefore ^summoned 

before the court to explain why he had not admitted 

Robert Henry to a corrody at the King's command,, to 

which he replied that he held in frankalmoign, and 

produced his charters. Though the result of the suit is 

not stated it is evident, from the fact that in 1327 : 

""William Alvered, uslier of the King's kitchen, who has long ser7ed 
the King, is sent to the prior and convent of Michelham to receive the 
same allowance as John de Urlesbam used to receive in their house in 
his lifetime. 

«» *' S.A.C.," Vol. n. 
^ CUtifl., lO^Edw. n., 5 D. lCcU,l 
^ Coram Rege, ll^ Edw. H., Easter. 
»» Claufl., 10 Edw. in., m. 11 D. [Cal]. 



HI8T0BT OF HAILSHAM. 211 

Up to this time the only church held by the Priory was 
that of Laughton — the advowson of Uailsham having 
been surrendered to Bayham Abbey — but in 1365 
negotiations were apparently entered into for the church 
of Ripe, "^^as in that year the Priory of Lewes received 
royal license to grant the advowson of the church of 
Ripe, alias Egginton, to the Priory of Michelham. This, 
however, appears to have fallen through, as the Priory of 
Lewes continued to be patrons of that living and it is 
not again mentioned in connection with Michelham. 

In 1398 the Priory of Michelham having fallen upon evil 
days, their energetic head, John Leem, made a successful 
appeal to the new Bishop of Chichester for assistance and 
obtained his leave to appropriate the churches of Alfriston 
and Fletchinff, of which the former cannot have been 
long built, judging from the architectural features : 

1898. »*Robert (Read) Bishop of Ohioheeter To all men &c. . . . 
The petition of our beloved in Onrnt John Leem prior and the convent 
of Michelham lately laid before us declares that Several large and 
valuable houses and buildings of the said priory and of other places 
belonging to the priory, which the labour of past generations had 
erected are so ruinous and almost falling — some indeed have almost 
entirely fallen down — so that assistance must be obtained from other 
sources for their restoration which they have been long striving to 
effect and do daily strive and will strive to the best of their power, and 
without assistance from outside they cannot undertake the expensive 
and onerous work of restoring and rebuilding and keeping in repair. 
Moreover through inundations of the sea which has overwheuned 
much arable and productive land and meadows and pasture and other 
fertile lands of the said priory from which a large part of their income 
was derived but from which they cannot now obtain any profit nor 
will be able to obtain such in the future. And by various losses and 
diminutions of the property rents and issues late belonging to the 
priory occurring through no fault of their own but throueh the malice 
of the present generation and also the malice of the EeHgious them- 
selves. There will be moreover a heavy and continual expense in 
protecting the sea shore and the lands of the monks themselves in 
the neighbourhood of the sea. And by reason of these and other 
insupportable demands thus heaped upon them the means of the priory 
are msufficient, their sources of income being thus diminished ; and 
this income is not sufficient for reasonable provision for themselves 
and their servants and bondsmen and for the exercise of hospitality 
in the priory, which is situated near the King's highway and public 

>» Pat., 390 Edw. IH., p. 1, m. 28 [Col.], 

>M Sbirbum Begister : " AppiopiiatLons of Churches/* 

P 2 



212 HISTORT OF HAILSHAM. 

road so that the nobles of the kingdom and other travellers frequently 
turn aside there, and for the support of all their other burdens, nor 
will it be possible to continue in luture without detriment to the sendee 
of Qod. 
Wherefore he grants them the churches of Alfriston and Fletching. 

»«Confirmatioii of this grant was obtained from King 
Richard II., on payment of the large sum of £40, but 
that king being deposed his "^^ successor charged another 
£10 for a similw act of condescension, after which : 

"'Robert by the Grace of God bishop of Chichester &c : since that 
King Henry of his special grace has licenced the convent of Michelham 
to appropriate the parish churches of Alfricheston and Mecchyng — 
provided that the vicarages thereof be sufficiently endowed and mat 
reasonable sums be distributed everyyear amongst the poor parishioners 
of the said churches ; therefore we have granted and by our power as 
ordinary have appropriated to them the said churches with all their 
rights and appurtenances, saving a vicarage in the church of Flecchyng 
appointed of old time and fitting provision ordained therefor by us, 
and saving a certain portion of the rectory and demesne of the church 
of Alfriston and a portion of the fruits and issues thereof for the 
manse and fitting maintenance of the vicar; so that as soon as the 
present rectors shall resign or be canonically removed from their 
churches the monks may occupy the livings either in their own persons 
or by deputy. . . . And as the sum so given to the poor was not 
specified, we have decided that, as the churdi of Alfriston is at present 
in the hands of Dom. William Everle and that of Flecching in the 
hands of Dom. John Crowche, rectors, when they become vacant the 
priory on entering into possession shall yearly at Christmas cause to 
be truly and faiwhilly distributed to the most needy of the poor 
parishioners for their support and maintenance the sum of 30* in 
money or com, 15' to each parish. 

Given at Chichester 20 Nov. 1399. 

Finally, the royal, episcopal and papal consents having 
been obtained and the advowsons acquired from Roger 
Ghosselyn, Thomas Enlenewk, Richard Cessyngham and 
^Richard Parker, the Prior, fearing that trouble may 
arise through these latter not having had a special 
mortmain license, pays the King a further £10 for an 
additional ^•confirmation. The Priory exercised their 

» Pat. 21« Elc. n., m. 32 [Cal.l 

«• Pat., V Henry IV., m. 11 [CoZ.]. 

^ Rede Eegister, p. 68. 

»« Feet of Pines, Mich., 19° Ric. II. ; Rio. Parker componnded with Sir Ph. 
Seyntcler and Joan his wife for the adowsons of Alfryshton and Flecchynff 
[Lansdowne MS8., 307]. 

»» Pat., 30 Henry IV., p. 1, m. 16. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 213 

new privileges for the first time on ^Nov. 20th, 1400, 
when John Carlton was admitted on their presentation 
to the vicarage of Alfryston. ^^In the visitation of 
Pevensey Deanery in 1478 Dom. Thomas Walain (?) was 
vicar of Alffriston and there is a badly written entry 
about Brother Henry Warreyne ^* celebrans divina 
ibidem," apparently to the eflfect that he is to return 
to his convent before Michaelmas. WilKam Woode, vicar 
there c. 1515, was a canon of Michelham (ordained acolyte 
in 1491 and priest in 1494 with WilKam Gravesend, of 
the same house), as was his successor, Richard Upton 
(acolyte in 1488 and priest 1490), and his successor in 
1523, Mathew Blatchington (priest in 1501), was sacrist 
at Michelham in 1521. Horsfield, in his ^^Historv of 
Sussex," gives a drawing of an emblematic figure of the 
Trinity formerly in one of the windows of Alfriston 
Church, and this is exactly similar to the pattern on certain 
tiles lately found at Michelham and, in a less elaborate 
form, is carved on one of the bosses in the vaulted room 
there. 

William de Worcestre, in his *^ Itinerary" of 1490, 
mentions a " church of a priory of canons regular of 
Mochylham in Sussex, 5 miles from Lewes, foimded by 
William de Sancto Claro, the Norman." As it is 12 
miles from Lewes and was not founded by William St. 
Clare his notice can scarcely be called adequate or 
accurate and may rank with ^Gilpin's enthusiasm over 
Penshurst, which he describes as lying between Ashbum- 
ham and Battle, whereas the parish is Penhurst and the 
house which he describes and evidently wishes us to 
believe that he admired is not even in the same county ! 
But this by the way. 

This completes our survey of what may be termed the 
conventual history of Michelham ; the next chapter will 
deal with the Priors and their brethren, and the last with 
the dissolution and subsequent history. 

»« Rede Register. 

»« Storey Register. 

>** *' Obeervations on the Coaet of Hampehire, Sussex and Kent." 



CHAPTER XV. 

1229. Roger appears to have been the first prior of 

Michelham from the following entry on the Close Roll 

of 1335 : 

■"To William de Northo, eschaetor: Order not to intermeddle 
further with a third part of the manor of Northese, restoring the 
iBSues thereof to the prior and convent of the church of the Holy 
Trinity at Muchelham, as lately at the prosecution of the prior of that 
church showing that he holds that third part by charter of Isabella 
lady of Aquila,Tate the wife of Gilbert de Aquila, of John de Warenna, 
Earl of Surrey, kinsman and heir of Isabella, in chief; and the prior 
and his predecessors had held of the Earl and his predecessors and 
not of the Xing. The eschaetor had taken it into the King's hands 
pretending that William de Shelvestrod late prior of that pl&ce had 
held the said third part at his death of the Xing in chief. The prior 
beseeching an enquiry, the king has found ; that Isabella who held of 
William then Earl Warenne gave it to one Eoger then prior of Holy 
Trinity Muchelham and to the canons to hold in frankalmoign of her 
and her heirs ; wherefor they held it of her during her life and then of 
William Earl Warenne, Isabella's brother and heir; after his death 
Peter, then prior of Muchelham, and the canons held of John Earl 
Warenne son and heir of William ; afterwards William, the last mior 
of that place held it at the time of his death of John now Earl 
Warenne, kinsman and heir of the said John, in frankalmoign ; and 
that they never held the S€ud third part of the Eling in chief. 

As William de Warenne died in 1239 and Isabella 
predeceased him it is unlikely that the date of the gift 
was later than 1235, which renders it probable that 
Roger, to whom the gift was made, was the first Prior. 

1239. Peter seems to have been Prior when John de 

Warenne succeeded to the earldom. He appears in the 

following undated deed : 

*"Eobert de Mankseye gives to Battle Abbey land near the house 
that was Simon de Munceaut's in Battle ; Witness, Dom. Henry, prior 
of Cumbwelle, Dom. Peter prior of Michilham, Thos. de Bavingele- 
hamme, Berenger Tyrel, Stephen de Northya, Balph Frankelain, 
Benedict de Berga. 

•»»In 1248 the Sheriff is ordered to distrain the goods 
of the Prior of Michelham and Robert le Hus for a debt 
of 40* which ought to have been paid in the Octaves of 

"• ClauB., 9« Edw. IH., m. 35 [Col.'], •* Thorpe's " Battle Abbej Charters." 
'»* Madoz, " History of the Exchequer." 




S 



1^ 

o 
o 

pq 

W 

E-H 






HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 215 

SS. Peter and Paul to Robert le Fuleham, clerk of the 
constabulary of the King's Exchequer. 

c. 1260. Roger II. ®®® The Lewes Chartulary mentions 
an exchange of one rood of land in Bristhelmston made 
between Roger, Prior of Michelham, and William (de 
Foville, 1267-1268), Prior of Lewes ; witnessed by 
Amfrid de Feryng, Simon de Herbeting and others. 
That whoever was Prior in 1260 was the immediate 
successor of Peter is shown by the Assize Roll of that 
date: 

**^An assize was held to discover whether the Prior of Michelham 
had diverted a watercourse in Erlington to the damage of Simon de 
Hemstede, free tenant, who complains that by the diversion of a certain 
watercourse about 1 acres of his land are submerged : complainant 
also says that through the withdrawal of the water hy that diversion 
he loses the use of his mill there sometimes for four days at other times 
for five days. The prior did not appear but one Adam his canon came 
and answered for him that if any diversion had been made it was not 
by him but by one Peter his predecessor. Judgement, that the said 
diverted course be restored to its former state at the Prior's cost, tmder 
the view of the Jury. The Prior in mercy : pardoned by the Justices : 
and Simon remits his damages to value of 25*. 

On the same roll is a presentment that ^' Katherine 
Cranyld was found killed by unknown malefactors in the 
Borough of the Prior of Michelham." On the meaning 
of the term Borough TLatin, Borgha) Mr. Hudson 
says: ®®®^^An original ^Dorgh' seems to have been a 
settlement (hamlet, detached homestead, group of tenants 
of some outside lord) which was held responsible as a 
* tithing ' and was summoned on inquests as a ' villata,' 
and yet was not a distinct ecclesiastical parish, not a 
normal village. It was ... a detached tithing of a vill 
utilised for legal purposes as though itself a vill." This 
is borne out by a ^^presentment of the Hundred of 
Thille in 1278 that "Henry le Pipere of Wyncheles 
killed Roger Wygge of Haylesham ; no Englishr^ was 
presented, so the hundred is fined : and the vills of 

'» *' 8.A.C.," Vol. in. 
^ Asaize Roll, 912. 

»w Article on Eastbourne Manor in " S.A.C.," Vol. XUI., by Rev. W. Hndson, 
F.8.A. 
sw Asaize RoU, 921. 



216 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Heylesham and Michelham did not come to the inquest, 
so they are in mercy." Again, we have seen that in the 
sixteenth century the "Borough" and "Half-Hundred" 
of Hailsham were synonymous, and a *~deed of 1567 
speaks of the "Manor and Hundred of Michelham 
Parkgate," so that the " Prior of Michelham's Borough" 
was evidently equivalent to the Manor of Michelham. 

1273. William. The foundation charter of the 
Hospital of St. Katherine by the Tower of London 
given by Queen Eleanor, 5th July, 1273, was witnessed 
by Dom. William, then Prior of Michelham.***^ 

1278. *^NiCHOLAS, Prior of Michelham, has withdrawn 
the service due to the SherifPs Court for Chinting ; he 
produces his charters and is discharged. At the same 
time the Hundred of Langgebryg say : 

Thomas Alin of Michelliam was in the parish of Fokenton and there 
took a deer ; so he was arrested : afterwards it is shown that Thomas 
is not to be found : so he is outlawed : he has no realiseable chattels : 
he was of the household of the Prior of Michelham : so the prior is 
in mercy. 

^In 1285 protection for two years is granted to the 
Prior of Micnelham going beyond seas. It would be 
interesting to know where he was going and why; 
probably to the Court of Rome, possibly to secure papal 
intervention in the dispute between his house and Bay ham 
over the church of Hailsham. 

*"This same year Brother Richard de Boueneye, of 
Micheleham, was ordained acolyte in the Archbishop's 
chapel of South Mailing, and next year Brother Roger, 
of Michelham, was there ordained sub-deacon. 

1287. Roger III. For this name we are indebted to 
Simon de Hemstede and his watercourse which had been 
the cause of a dispute with a Prior of 30 years earlier. 
*^*' Simon de Hemstede, who brought a writ against 

*» Duchy of Lane. Pleas, Vol. LXXVU., p. 10. 

*« Dugdale, " Monaaticon." 

^ Aflfiize BoU, 921. 

«• Pat., 13« Edw. I., m. 29 ICal,']. 

MA Peckham Begister. 

^ ABBlze Boll, 928. 



mSTOBY OF HAIL8HAM. 217 

Roger prior of Michelham that he should allow him to 
divert a stream in Erlyngton back into its orginal and 
proper course, did not prosecute ; so he and his pledges, 
William de Gisyllum of Legton and WilKam de la Felde 
of Wylyndon, are in mercy." There is in the Record 
Office an undated petition by this Prior : 

^To our lord the King and to his council showeth Brother Eoger, 
prior of Michelham, that the prior Roger his third predecessor 
purchased of Sir John de la Haje, father of the present Sir John, 
fifty acres of land with appurtenances in the parish of Erlington for 
himself and his successors, which land belonged to the said John by 
escheat; and now there has been a presentment made before the 
Justices in Eyre in the county of Sussex that the same land was held 
by John de la Haye, their Feoffer, of the king in chief, for which 
reason the same Justices have seized the land into the king's hand 
and have ejected the prior from it so that he can not approach the 
land nor have any profit of it ; for the which the Prior prayeth our 
lord the king that for the welfare of his soul and the souls of his 
ancestors he will grant him a remedy, for the Prior and his brethren 
are his chaplains and he himself is their [patron] .^^ 

Endorsed : Let a letter be sent to the Justices in Eyre that they 
write to the king the truth about the seizure. 

The Priors of Michelham owning a considerable extent 
of land on the sea coast were often associated with other 
local commissioners for the protection of the low-lying 
lands of Pevensey Bay; and in 1290 a *^ complaint was 
made by the leading landowners of Pevensey marsh that 
Luke de la Grare, the Prior of Michelham, Wm. le Doune, 
John de Faukeham, Ric. de Veteri Monasterio and Simon 
le Wyne contrary to the King's ordinance had begun to 
make a bank across the haven of Pevenesel and a sluice, 
whereby the freshwater will be prevented from following 
its course through the marsh to the sea by the said haven, 
to the great danger of the inhabitants round about and 
the frequent inundation of their lands ; J. de Lasey and 
Wm. de Echingham are therefore empowered to enquire 
into the matter and if necessary to remove the bank and 
sluice. 



*« Ancient Petitionfl, 14,688. 

«" ThiB last word I coixld not 
** patron.** 

*« Pat., 180 Edw. I., m. 16D [Cal.l 



^ This last word I conld not decipher, but it is probably something equivalent 
to ** patron.** 



218 HI8T0RT OF HAILSHAM. 

^In 1294 the clergy, ^* having granted the king a 
moiety of their benefices and goods according to the 
taxation last made for a tenth for the Holy Land," 
the Prior of Muchelham, amongst others, receives pro- 
tection for his goods for one year. *^®In 1297 the Prior 
of Michelham, being returned as holding lands or rents to 
the amount of £20 or upwards, was one of those summoned 
to perform military service in parts beyond seas and had 
therefore to join the muster at London with such horses 
and arms as he owed on the Sunday after the octaves of 
St. John Baptist, July 7th. *^^ Edward IL in 1310, needing 
provisions for his Scotch expedition, sent a ** request" to 
all monasteries, including Michelham, for a ^^loan" of 
victuals, though the Prior had already contributed towards 
the war once at least — a contribution which was not 
altogether unrewarded, as appears from the fact that in 
1311 *^* Simon de Hydenye, bailiff of the Liberty of the 
Port of Pevenese, John de Glynleye, John Russell, 
baker, of Pevenese, and others, collectors of tallage, 
were attached by the Prior for distraining his goods in 
Haylesham, Wylyndon and Westhamme, which ai^e not 
in his Liberty ; and moreover the Prior had protection 
from the late King, having subscribed towards the 
expenses of the Scotch war. 

An entry on the Patent Roll of 1316 is probably 
connected with the Prior's duties as surveyor of Pevensey 
marshes. Though not of much importance to our subject, 
I give it for the list of names that it contains : 

"'Pardon of outlawry to Henry son of Gervase Alwd, Simon Cnrteye, 
Eobert de Cralle, Wm. Alman, Eic. son of Wm. de *"Eldecliirche, 
Wm. Jaudelet, Thos. son of Juliana de Hanekeham, J. Willard of la 
Doune, Wm. Crop, Nich. Bygg of Hanekeham, J. Molyn, Gervase de 
Foulride, Et. Wyberd, Simon Blowere, Thos. Pye, Walter Crop, 
Simon atte Mersh, Wm. Pryg, Hugh Lewere, J. Senderwode, Jas. de 
Asshemerton, Benenger de Northtoune, Giles atte Stile and Eic. de 
Stokes for nonappearance before the King's Bench to answer the prior 

«» Pat., 220 Edw. I., m. 8 [Col.]. 

*w Pal^ve, " Parliamentary Writs." 

*" Claufl., 3<» Edw. H., m. 5D. 

*" Coram Rege., Hil., b<» Edw. H. 

*i» Pat., lOo Edw. n., p. 1, m. 38 [Cal.l 

*^^ Doubtless the Bic. de Yeteri Monaeterio mentioned abore. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 219 

of Michelham and Thos. de Angemere touching a trespass committed 
against them, provided they surrender themselyes forthwith at the 
prison of Peveeeye. 

c. 1322-1334. William de Shelvestbode. The family 
of Shelvestrode or Shovelstrode, who bore for arms erm. 
a cross fuzilly, took their name from a manor in East 
Grinstead. *^**In the Bodleian is a '^Littera Fraternitatis 
concessa Priori de Michelham " of about 1322, so 
mutilated that it is only just possible to make out 
that it was addressed by John, Prior of Thonebregg 
(St. Mary Magdelene's, Tunbridge^, to William de 
Sceluesstrod, on what subject it is impossible to say. 
As we have seen that he was *'late prior" in 1335, 
doubtless one of his last acts was the *^® payment on 
behalf of his convent of 20* towards tne marriage 
portion of the King's sister Eleanor. 

*^''His successor was associated in 1335 with WiUiam 
de Sessyngham and John Dal3mrigg on a commission to 
enquire concerning any persons causing defects in the 
manors, members and parks of the Honor of Aigle held 
by Queen Philippa; and five years later the *^® Prior of 
Michelham was one of the four assessors for Sussex of the 
ninth of lambs, sheaves and fleeces granted to the King 
(which produced the valuable ^^Nonae" returns), his 
associates being the Chancellor, Earl of Arundel and 
Edward Seint Johan. It is almost a surprise to find the 
Prior of such a minor house as Michelham is such 
remarkably select company; one would have expected 
his neighbours of Battle or Lewes to have been rather 
chosen, and it is to be regretted that his name is not 
known. 

*^®In 1347 the Prior was ordered to send a sack of wool 
to the King in London. 

**^In 1350 William Garet, canon of Muchelham, received 
an indulgence to choose a confessor. 

«u Kent BoUb, 6. 

*i« Claufl., 70 Edw. m., p. 1, m. 22D [Kymer's " Foedera"]. 

«T Pat., 9« Edw. ra., p. 2, m. 27 D [Cal.l 

*" Pat., U» Edw. in., m. 42 [Cal,}. 

*" Eymer, " Foedera." 

*«• " Papal Lettew," Vol. in. 



220 mSTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

*"The Assize Roll of 1353 affords two entries of 
interest) the first giving valuable information as to the 
constitution of the Priory: '^The Prior of Michelham 
holds of the Lady Queen by service of finding 13 
canons to celebrate divine rites for the soul of Gubert 
de Aquila and the souls of his ancestors and his heirs 
for ever ; and of these canons eight are now wanting, so 
he is fined 40*." The income of the house was probably 
insufficient for the support of the full number, as in none 
of the later visitations are there more than ten canons, 
but that there should be only five speaks but poorly for 
the head of the convent and can hardly be explained by 
lack of income, even when diminished by such extortion 
as the following : 

William Gutes, bailiff of the Queen's Liberty, desiring to make 
some profit out of the pior of Michelham, in August 24<^ Edward III 
caused certain of the King's servants of his marshalsea to come to 
the prior, and told him that he would make the said servants oppress 
him in various ways unless he gave him &good yearly pension. And 
the Prior fearing the malice of the said William, because he was an 
officer of the Lady Queen, and threatened him so cruelly that it seemed 
to him that the destruction of his house lay evidently within the power 
and will of the said William, granted him a yearly rent of 30' to be 
taken from the prior's tenants, to the very great damage of his house 
of Muchelham and to the destroying of me alms and benefactions 
made to the priory by the King and Queen ; for which William is 
committed to prison. 

c. 1376-c. 1415. John Leem. This Prior has the most 
distinct personality of any in our list ; while the others 
are content to be known merely by their title, or at most 
by theii' Christian name, his name is constantly given in 
full. He was no doubt a native of Willingdon, cus *' the 
land of le Leame " and Leamef eld near Foulride occur 
in Willingdon court rolls of 1564, and Thos. de Leem 
was reeve of Willingdon in 1283. The only known 
impression of a seal of this Priory— of which, thanks to 
the courtesy of the Committee of the Sussex Archaeo- 
logical Society, I am able to give a drawing — ^is appended 
to the first aated deed in which his name occurs; it 
represents Christ seated between two slender pillars, his 

«u Assize BoU, 941. 



J ; I 







SEAL OF MICHELHAM PRIORY. 




BOTJBLE CHIMNEY PIECE. 
MICHELHAM PRIORY. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 221 

right hand raised in blessing, his left holding a book 
on his knee ; on either side of the head were probably 
the letters Alpha and Omega, a portion of the latter 
remaining; the counter seal is a small oval containing 
apparently the Angel of the Annunciation, with the 
motto M. Si : Vis : Amari : Ama : — what the M stands for 
may be questioned, possibly Memento or Multo ; the deed 
to which it is affixea runs as follows : 

*** Brother John de Cariloco prior of S' Pancras of Lewes and the 
convent of the same have granted to Dom. John Leame prior of 
Michelham — all the lands caUed la Wallonde which Wm. Leame and 
John Wythot in the parish of Herlinton and John Uptoune in Hayle- 
sham and Herlinton held of the manor of Langney ; the lands of the 
said William and John stretching from the pasture called la Hake on 
the west to the grove called Okeling on the East and lying between the 
highway from la Hake to Haylesham on the north cuid the wood of 
the prior of Wilmington on the south; the land of John Uptoune 
stretching from certain lands of the prior of Michelham on the West 
to the street called Sirstreate Borgher on the north: the convent of 
Michelham paying yearly 10* and doing service at Langney court every 
three weeks and paying 10» relief and 13*4* Heriot at every vacancy. 
—Given U^ March 1376. 

This energetic Prior — to whom I am inclined to ascribe 
the building of the beautiful gateway tower — further 
obtained jfrom *^ Lewes Priory in 1392 the manor of 
Sutton for a yearly rent of £5. Through his efforts 
the churches of Aliriston and Fletching were obtained 
in 1398, and his period of office was marked by two 
large donations to the Priory, which had been previously 
40 years without adding to its estates. It is much to be 
regretted that no account exists of the *^ visitation for 
which the Prior of Mychilham was ordered to prepare on 
May 13th, 1402. Perhaps the Prior can hardly claim 
credit for the **^ bequest to his Priory in 1385 by William 
Reed, Bishop of Chichester, of '^ one book and one 
chalice," as the worthy Bishop was commendably liberal 
to the monasteries of his diocese, leaving inter alia to 
Begham Abbey ^* a book of sermons, a chalice and 40"." 

*» Dy. of Lane, Misc., XVIII., 3 : a copy of the original deed. The land hew 
given is *^ Highlands." 
*" " S.A.O.," Vol. ni. 
^^ Bede Register. 
*« Courtney Register. 



222 HISTOBT OF HAIL8HAM. 

To John Lome also may be attributed the following 
petition : 

^To our Boyereign lord the King and to his learned oonncil of 
Parliament sheweth their humble and poor chaplain the Prior of 
Michjlham that whereas our said lord the King granted hv his letters 
patent to the said Prior the custody of the alien priory of Wylmyngton 
during the war against the Kinff of France, he paying therefor £100 
per annum to the said King and 20 marcs per annum to the Prior of 
the said priory for his sustenance; the which 20 marcs shall be in 
addition to the rent of £100 paid to the King and shall be payable 
after the death of the said Prior to the King ; and performing divine 
service, alms and works of charity for the King's ancestors and for 
the founders, and dischamng all other costs, customs and uses ; and 
that the said Priory of Wyhnyngton is only two leagues from the 
priory of Michilham ; for which reason, and in order to avert the rain 
and damage which might have befallen the same priory of Wylmyngton 
if it had fallen into the hands of laymen, the said Prior took a lease 
of it and has been put to great expense in restoration of the buildinffs, 
in keeping out the sea and in many other ways. And now lately uie 
said Iriory of Wylmyngton has been granted to Sir James de Bemers 
knight by a chancery patent, for the term of his life, if the war 
continue so long, paying no rent, the said £100 being remitted. By 
reason of which patent the said Prior is put, contrary to the law, to 
great loss and damage himself and his house ; unless the remedy be 
giyen for which he appeals, that the patent given to the said Sir 
James be repealed, without giving notice to Sir James or other delay, 
upon the production of the said patent granted to the Prior ; and that 
no grant shall be made henceforward contrary to the same patent, and 
that if it please the King the £100 reserved by the same patent be 
granted to the said Sir James, thus assisting the aforesaid prior of his 
grace and charity. 

The Prior and Convent of Michelham were appointed 
to collect the *^ subsidies from the clergy of the Arch- 
deaconry of Lewes in 1380, 1402 and 1410; and in 1388 
the Prior was one of the Sussex clergy to sign the oath 
to maintain the statutes. 

John Leem for several years held the post of Receiver 
of the Honor of Aquila. ^In the account of John Delve, 
feodary of the Duke of Lancaster for the Honor of Aquila, 
from 1377 to 1382, are several references to him: ** Paid 
to John Leem prior of Michilham Receiver of the lord's 
moneys, £6. 13. 4 owing on his account for the second 
year (of Ric. II.)." 4° Ric. II., ^^Paid to John Leem 

«M Ancient Petitions, 6,229. «^t der. Subs., V» H "^^ tt- 

**» Orig. Min. Accte., 441—7,081. 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 223 

.... into his own hands on one taUv £37; and on 
another tally by the hands of William Soaker his canon 
£8. 16 ; ana to the same Receiver by the hands of John 
Colepeper, constable of the Castle, tor his salary for the 
Easter term £8. 6. 8 ; to the same by the hands of Simon 
Carpenter for arrears of the previous year £19. 16. 7i." 
1383, *^ John de Leem late Receiver; Wm. de Everley 
present Receiver immediately succeeding the prior.'' 
He held the same office in 9"* and 10"* Henry IV., as 
appears from a *^' bundle of receipts of those years. 

**In 1380 John, Prior of Michelham, was associated with 
Sir Thos. Hungerford (chief steward of the HonorV Roger 
Ashburnham and others on a commission of view and 
repair of dykes on ^^ the seacoast and marsh between the 
township of Bourne and the townships of Helyng and 
Bixle" — i.e., Pevensey Levels. *"In 1391 the Prior, 
with the Abbot of Begeham, Sir Wm. Fienles, Wm. 
Batelesford and others form a similar commission for 
the marshes ^^from the head of Godyng to Clune of 
Bourne," and a long undated document given by 
Dugdale appears to be the report of their proceedings 
and gives extensive details of the main streams and the 
names of the marshes. *®*In 1402 the commissioners for 
the marshes between Bixle and Bechief drew up ^^The 
Estatutes of the Mersh of Penvensey." — "Thees been 
the Ordynaunces of the Pryour of Michelham, John 
Pelham and William Makenade made at Westham in the 
mershe of Pevensey, the Frydaye nexte before the 
Feaste of S* Gregory (March 12"") the third yere of the 
Reign of Kinge Henry iiij"*." 

The two following entries are from the Bishops' 
Registers at Chichester:^ 

1402. John Hassok, Prior of Hastings, resigned and Eichard 
Weston of Michelham priory was elected with the consent of John 
Leem Prior of Michelham. 

*» Dy. Lane, Misc., XXVI., 43 (2). 
*« Diagdale, " ffistory of Embanking." 

^^ Pat., 15« Bio. n., p. 1, 37D [Cal,']. Coding was the small port at the mouth 
of PeTenaey hayen. 

«« "s.A.o.,"Voi. xvni. 

«» Bede Register. 



224 HISTOBT OF HAIL8HAM. 

1413. To all men &o John by the mercy of God Prior of the pnory 
of Mychelham and the convent of the same place, g^eting. know 
ye that we with one mind and consent have given and granted to 
^Brother Eichard Weston late Prior of Hastyng for the term of his 
life, a suitable room within the walls of our friory aforesaid. We 
have also granted to Brother Eichard Weston for the term of his life 
for himself such food and drink as one of our canons receives, in the 
Prior's hall both for dinner and supper and also food and drink for 
one his servant attending on him. And we will that the same brother 
Eichard Weston during the time of his illness shall receive the same 
food and drink in his own room aforesaid as he would have if he were 
well in the Prior's hall. Moreover we have granted to him firing and 
candles sufficient for his room to be received in our Priory for the 
term of his life : and all this we by these presents bind ourselves and 
our successors to well and faithfully observe. In witness of which our 
common seal is affixed. 

Given in our chapter-house of Mychilham 20^ January a.d. 1413, 
and the second year of the reign of King Henry the Fifth. 

The last date at which this Prior's name occurs is 
1415, when a ^"commission of array was issued to John, 
Prior of Michelham ; and so after 40 years of energetic 
rule he disappears, and from what we read of his 
successors we may well believe that those who loved 
the Priory must have longed to have him back again. 
During his term of oflfice the following canons of his 
house received ordination : 1398 J. Laurence, 1401 Wm. 
Fowler, Thos. Bowleche or Boglegh, Ph. Sessyngham, 
1404 Wm. Sampson, Thos. Frere, 1407 Rt. Fromond, 
Wm. Edyng, 1409 Thos. Machon, John Yerdale, 1410 
J. Oxenford, 1414 Wm. Broker, Ric. James, Wm. Wotton. 

The Prior of 1423 appears in an unfavourable light 
in the only notice that we have of that decade, as at 
the Provincial Chapter of the Augustinians held at 
Northampton in July : 

*" There was read a lone letter rhetorically written by the prior of 
Michelham . . . directed against the new abbot of S^ Augustine's 
of Canterbury : but because it appeared most certain that it had not 
sprung from the root of charity, but on the contrary had been designed 
with no small degree of malice to the disparagement of the said 
venerable father; therefore the Lords President ordered that it should 
be '' buried with those that sleep." 

^ Rymer'a^Foedera." 

«w Clement Bejner's ** Histoiy of the Black CanonB in England." 



HI8T0RT OF HAIL8HAM. 225 

And it is very improbable that either the letter or the 
cause of this spite against the head of that great and 
distant monastery will ever be disinterred. 

c. 1434-1438. William London is mentioned in a 
fifteenth century rental of Battle Abbey : 

*"The prior of Michelham for reflux of water to his mill at Michel- 
ham 4* yearly, as appears by a certain deed in these words : — ^This 
indenture made between Thomas abbot of Battle and William prior 
of Michelham witnesseth that whereas the said prior and convent have 
from time immemorial been accustomed to have a reflux of water on 
the lands of the said abbot at Stemersshe to the height of 2 feet 9 inches 
at most, paying therefor 5' at Hokeday and 5* at Michaelmas; the 
abbot freely remits 6« of the said 10* rent : 10*»» Feb^ 12« Henry VI. 

The next notice of him is to be found on the minutes 
of the Privy Council, 29th July, 1437 : 
*"'By the King: 

Bight trusty and well beloved. Forasmuche as now late we directed 
our lettres undir our Privy seal imto Sir Eogier Fenys knight and 
other upon a suggestion not verray made unto us, as it is said, by 
which the Priour of Michelham, which is of our patronage as of the 
right of our Duchie of Lancaster of thonnor of the Egle in Sussex, 
was amoved and put oute as wele of the said priourie as of the 
possessions spirituel and temporel thereto belonging by the said 
Kogier ; and the coe seal of the said priourie with all the goods and 
catalls of the said Priom* taken and beraste by the said Eogier in 
derogacion of the liberties of our said duchie. We wol therefore and 
charge you that under our privy seal being in your warde ye doo 
repelle and adnull the said our fibres of prive seal charging the said 
Eogier and others comissioners to surcese of their power in that behalf. 
So that our duchie may enjoy the libertees belonging to it, and that 
the said Priour be restored agein unto our said priourie and so to stand 
and dwell under the protecdon and tuicion of our said duchie. 

The result of this order is shown by a note at the 
end of an inquisition of the same year concerning the 
Hundred of Dill: — ^**" Also by virtue of lettters patent 
the commissioners replaced William prior of Michelham 
in possession of his pnory and restored to him the common 
seal and all the property of the priory." He did not, 
however, remain long in office, as the ^ Court Rolls of 
Hellingly manor for the following year, 1438, present 

«» Aug. Off. Miflc. Books, 56. 

*»7 Sip Harrifl Nicolas, ** Proceedings of the Privy Coundl." 

*«8 Dy. of Lane, Inq. I., 48. 

*w Court Bolls, 206-5. 

Q 



226 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

that " William late prior of Michelham has been removed 
from the office of prior and Laurence Wynchelse elected 
prior, who has been distrained in 10" for heriot and for 
fealty and relief of 2" for land called Pekeheye ; " and 
accordingly at the next Court Laurence admits that he 
holds the land of William, Abbot of Be^hame, and owes 2" 
relief through the deprivation of William. **^0n the 
Pardon Roll of 1447 ^^ WilKam London canon late prior 
of Michelham " is mentioned, which gives us his full name. 
1438-c. 1447. Laurence Wynchelse. For whatever 
reason the last prior was deposed there can scarcely 
have been any change for the better on the election 
of his successor, judging from the two visitations of the 
monastery, of which we have accounts:**^ 

Visitation of Mjchelham Priory by the Bishop held in the chapter 
house there Sept 29^ 1441. 

To the Beverend father in Christ Eichard by the Gh-ace of Qod 
Bishop of Ohichester, your humble and devoted son in Ghrist Laurenoe 
Prior of the Priory of Mychelham. ... I have received your 
command given on the 8* of this September in these words : — ^Richard 
by the divine will Bishop of Chichester to his beloved in Christ the 
Prior of the Priory of Mychelham, greeting &c. . . . And by virtue 
of this your mandate have summoned all and every of my brother 
canons whose names and surnames with the titles of their offices are 
written below that they shall all come together before you or your 
deputy, if you are imable to come, on the day and place mentioned in 
your mandate, and for the following days if needs be, to undergo your 
canonical visitation and further to perform dedare and undertake all 
that shall be required by your visitation, having myself the firm 
intention of appearing in my own person before you according to your 
m£uidate with my brethren. ... I also myself intend to obey in all 
things your warning and will by virtue of the same warn my brethren 
that none shall in any manner during or before your visitation do 
anything to the prejudice thereof. ... In witness whereof I have 
caused to be attached the seal of the official of the Archdeacon of Lewes. 

I the official aforesaid at the special request of the venerable Prior 
aforesaid have affixed my seal in witness hereof. 

Given at Mychelham 24^ Sept. 1441. 

Names of the Canoks and Bbbthben thbbe. 
Brother Laurence, the Prior Brother Edward Marlee 

Brother William Edyng, Subprior Brother Walter Pycombe 

Brother William Sampson, Precentor Brother Kobert Stonacre 
Brother William Mallyng, Cellarer Brother John Praty 

*« Pardon Eoll, 670, m. 12. « Praty Register. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 227 

Injttnctionb Given to th* Fsiob and Contbht. 

First : that the number of canons be increased hj three before Easter 
next nnderpenalty of lOO* to be paid to the fabrick of the 
church of Chichester. 

Item : that the prior provide a literate man learned in grammar to 
teach the yoimger canons, before Easter next imder the same 
penalty. 

Item: the Prior's household shall be limited to the following: one 
chaplain one esquire one chamberer one cook and one valet 
to transact business and attend the door, and one page of the 
kitchen. And he shaU be content with four horses in his 
stables. 

Item : that the prior shall go over the accoimts once a year with the 
convent or the elders thereof. 

Item : that he shall cause the other officials of the house to similarly 
render their accounts once a year. 

Item : that he shall cause the buildings of the priory to be repaired 
especially the long room (or bam) near the brewery and the 
kitchen. 

Item: that he shall pay each priest canon 4 nobles yearly at the 
principal terms of the year and to each canon not being a 
priest 20* and no more, for all kinds of special fees and for 
obits of two years. 

Item : that the canons shall keep silence in the proper places and at 
the accustomed hours and that they shall not frequent the 
tavern which is outside the gate of die priory. 

Item : that they shall not sell any corrody or corrodies without the 
licence of the diocesan imder penalty of deposition of the Prior. 

From the conclusion of the first paragraph it would 
seem that the common seal of the Priory haa been lost, 
or more probably — ^if we may judge from the next 
visitation— secreted by the Pnor for illegal purposes, 
such as the forging of grants from the convent to his 
friends. It is evident that the Prior used the revenues 
of his house to keep up a large personal staff of retainers 
and no doubt rode about the country like any temporal 
lord, while his "brethren" starved and shivered in 
their dilapidated Priory or sought solace at the neigh- 
bouring tavern. But the next visitation, held only four 
months later, shows the real state of affairs and shows 
also how much truth there was in the "humble and 
devoted " Prior's professed intention of obedience' to the 
Bishop. 

Q 2 



228 HI8T0BT OF HAIL8HAM. 

yiflitation of the Priory of Michelliam held Tuesday Jan. 24^ 144^. 
Names of the Canons. 
Laurence Wynohelse Prior Walter Pyoombe 

William Edyng Subprior Bobert Stonaker 

William Mallyng John Praty 

William Sampson Leonard Tomer 

Edward Marley John Holbeme 

First it was discovered that the said Laurence prior of MicheLham 
without the leave or consent of the Chapter or of any of them had 
sold oaks and timber from their lands at Flecchyns^ to the value of 
106' S^ Item : to John Bray from the park of Michemam to the value 
of 1 1" 6' 8"^ Item from the same park to Master John Fodie to the 
value of 23" Item to the wife of William Yale from Isenhurst to the 
value of five marcs. Item two millstones with other gear belonKin^ 
to the mills for 5 marcs. Item a covered silver goblet for 53* 4' Keni 
he sold the stones cut and shaped for three fire-places for 60' Item 
he sold from the farm 38 oxen for 38 marcs Item 6 cows for 50* 
Item twelve horses of the value of £20. Item he sold to a certain 
man of the name of Wallere and his wife a corrody for the term of 
their lives or of the life of the survivor for 40 marcs. Item he granted 
and gave to a certain wellknown knight for the term of his life an 
annual pension of 100* Item the prior sold or alienated the following 
books : two books of the Law, a book of the twelve prophets with a 
commentarvy a psalter with commentary : also a book called the 
Apocalipsis with pictures at the end of the text : also the Chronicles 
of England : also a lives of the Fathers : Also the same prior alienated 
the common property of his house as foUows : to Eoger Fynes knight 
two horses and 10 marcs: to Thomas Echyngham knight one and 5 
marcs : to John Devenyssh one and 46* 8** : to Petelesden one and 8 
marcs : to a man called Quik one and 20* : to John Fyssh one and 
23* 4^ : to Thomas Fordere one and 26* 8^ : to Bichard dooke one and 
13* 4*: to Laurence Dobyll one and 10*: to William Ferrour of 
South werk one and 20*. Also the prior gives yearly to certain persons 
in London robes of cloth of great price, viz. to Peryer, taylor of London, 
to Walter Dalman Thomas Forder, Quyk brewere and his wife, and to 
her also a *' Kyrtell doth ffreyne." Also the prior without the consent 
of the Chapter removed me muniments of the house from a chest, it 
is not known for what reason nor where he put them. Also it appears 
that the prior alone holds all the offices of the place, he alone receives, 
he alone pays, he administers the common property of the house and 
does not pay the fees of his canons and they have scarcely enough to 
keep them in food and drink. Also £100 would not be enough to 
repair the church and buildings within and without. How the income 
of the house is expended beyond the necessary expenses of entertain- 
ment they know not. The house has been these two years in debt to 
the amount of 67" 9* 7^ as appears more fully in the third household 
account of the said prior Laurence. 

All the above were done, sold, alienated and withdrawn by the said 
prior Laurence contrary to and in spite of our injunctions prohibitions 
and warnings and contrary to his oath of obe<uence to us wherefore 
he stands condemned of peijury and disobedience. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 229 

The notice of the books alienated is interesting: of 
the great part played in monastic life by books and 
of the value attached to them much may be found in Mr. 
Willis Clark's excellent ** Observances of the Augustinian 
Priory of Barnwell." The Library — which was practi- 
cally a monastic institution, hardly to be found outside 
the walls of a convent — was under the care pf the 
Precentor, from whom the canons, and under certain 
strict conditions outsiders, might borrow books to be 
read in the cloisters, where also some of the religious 
would spend their time writing and illuminating those 
marvels of neatness and beauty of which so many 
thousands perished at the Dissolution. The "well 
known knight" may have been Sir Roger Fiennes — 
the builder of Herstmonceux castle — the most powerful 
of their neighbours, who appears to have caused the last 
Prior to be temporarilv ejected, and could no doubt have 
made himself very obi ectionable if not propitiated ; at a 
later date we find Lord Dacre, his grandson, in possession 
of a pension from the convent. The presents to Londoners 
suggest, as is indeed very probable, that the Prior spent 
much of his time away from the monastery, over whose 
welfare, spiritual and temporal, he was supposed to watch 
so jealously; or possibly they had been originally granted 
by his predecessor, William '^ London." This latter was, 
as we have seen, still a canon in 1447, so that unless he 
had been sent away to do penance in some other religious 
house, he must have been identical with one of the three 
Williams mentioned in the list of canons. Perhaps the 
most remarkable fact concerning the last visitation is 
that *** Laurence Wynchelse is still prior of the house of 
Holy Trinity, Michelham, in 1447. 

^^The only other reference to this Prior is a receipt, 
dated 1440, by Laurence, Prior of Mychelham, of 20" 
rent from Master Simon Berneval for the manor of Sutton. 

c. 1450-1482. Edwasd Marley. He was canon in 
1441 and probably succeeded Laurence Winchelse. As 
a Prior, though not so actively bad as his predecessor, he 

*" Pardon RoU, 670, m. 29. <« Bodleian, Susaez Charters, 167. 



230 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

appears to have been feeble, careless and incompetent: 
under him the Priory buildings fell to ruin and the 
strictness of the monastic code was relaxed till even 
the sanctity of the church services was profaned by 
the irreverence of these self-styled *^men of religion. 
Such is the state of affairs shown by the visitation made 
in 1478: 

*"ViBitation of Michelham Prioiy 1478. 

Edward Marlay prior there made obeisance and bein^ sworn and 
examined says : That for the greater part thej do not keep silence. 
Also that Alice Forde is a woman of doubtful reputation among them. 
Also that John Helbome and Dom. Thomas Andrewe dex>arted and 
went away without the prior's licence. Also Alan Morefote frequents 
the tavern and often goes out without the prior's licence. Also that 
Lord de Dacre has a ^e of 5 marcs for the term of his life under the 
Common Seal. Also that Thomas Marlay brother of the said prior 
has five marcs for the term of his life under the common seal. Also 
that Thomas Exbridge has 26* imder the common seal, and N. Gylryge 
similarly has 13' 4*". 

Dom. Thomas Stanaker canon and cellarer there . . . says : That 
Lord de Dacre has 5 marcs under the common seal and has had it for 
12 years. Also that the brother of the prior has 4 marcs and over. 
Also that at the time of the ^law suit between themselves and the 
Abbey and Convent of Bigam the Jewels of the house were sold to 
pay the law expenses, as will appear by the Inventory. Also that 
there are two mills belonging to the priory altogether in ruin. Also 
the dormitories of the house with other rooms buildings and granges 
are in bad repair. Also that Dom. John West frequently leaves the 
house either with licence or without. Also all the other canons 
frequently go out to the beershop. Also for 28 years the prior has 
given no account of the business nor declared the state of the priory 
to the deponent and his brethren, save once. Also that they do not 
keep silence and do not feed together in the Befectory but in the Hcdl 
and in the Prior's chamber. Mso that there are six canons beside the 
Prior and the ancient number used to be nine. Also that Alice Forde 
comes to the house too frequently under suspicious circumstances. 
Also that Thomas Patys has withdrawn without the prior's licence and 
is therefore in a state of Apostasy. Also that Dom. Thomas {sic) 
Helbeme was absent for 15 years and afterwards returning poisoned 
the whole convent with his strange and evil arguments. 

Dom. John Helbeme . . . says : That the Prior has not given any 
account, as said above, for 20 years. Also that Symond Smyth has 
for the term of his life for himself and his wife as much food as two 

^ Storey Register. 

*** The only reference to this Buit that I have found is in 1458 : " Attainder 
brought by abbot of Begham against prior of Mechelham in the King's Bench ; 
juiors challenged as not being worth £20 per annum " (Year Book, SC"* Henry VI., 
} 15). 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 231 

canons have, for which he paid 40 marcs. Also the Beotor of ^Hothles 
has under the common se^ food for the term of his life for which he 
paid £10. Also Lord de Dacre has five marcs and the prior's brother 
has a Fee as mentioned above. Also that they do not keep silence in 
the proper and appointed times and places. Also that at the time of 
Divine Service while they are singing reading and chanting the psalms 
they talk together and so disturb the service. Also concerning the 
mills and buildings and their need of repair, as above. Also that 
they do not eat together in the refectory. Also that they have no 
Bubprior. Also that Alice Ford is suspected as regards Dom. John 
West and several others and has food and clothing ^m the Monastery 
to the damage prejudice and scandal of the Monastery. 

Dom. John West . . . says : That, as above stated, the prior has 
rendered no account of the corrodies and fees, and that there are also 
several others whose names he does not at present know who have fees 
under the common seal. Also, having been put on his oath, he says 
that he has carnally known Alice Forde wife of John Ford : Also that 
he does not rise up to Mass, nor do his brethren rise up together at 
midnight as they ought, so he says. Also that they have no subprior. 

Dom. Thomas Andrewe . . . says : That there is a good Beligious 
Canon, by name Dom. Elizeus who resides at Tortyngton, whom he 
would wish to be subprior. Also that Dom. John West lives inconti- 
nently. Also that they are without a sacrist : and that the vestments 
and other ornaments of the church are in very bad condition owing to 
the lack of a sacrist or custodian. Also that the prior has withdrawn 
certain sums of money due to them by ancient custom from the obits. 

Dom. Alan Morfet . . . says : that he has three times known a 
certain wandering woman whose name and place of residence he does 
not know ; therefore the lord Bishop commands him to fast seven days. 
Also that Dom. John West was in ill repute as regards the wife of 
John Forde, as also the prior ; in all other points he agrees with his 
brethren, as above. 

John Knowles canon there made obeisance to the Bishop and is not 
professed. 

Injunctions. 

First the Bishop commands the prior under penalty of deposition 
that he do not allow Alice Forde to have access to him nor to the other 
canons of his house as she had been accustomed to have. Also he 
commands the said Alice that she shall not dwell within four miles of 
the place. Also that the prior and his brethren shall not frequently 
go out of the house except upon affairs of business, on pain of imprison- 
ment and the penalties of disobedience. Also all the canons shall 
perform the following penance ; they shall fast on bread and water on 
Friday next after this judgment, which will be the 18*** day of the 
present Year (sic). Also that Dom. John West shall not go out of 
the enclosure of the house till the arrival of a subprior to be sent by 
the Bishop. Also all the canons shall keep silence as befits their 
religion in the proper and appointed times ana places. Also that they 

*« East Hoathly. 



232 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

ought to eat together in the Befectoiy ; and to assist this end he gives 
them 10' to repair the roof of the refectory. 

Also on the same day the Bishop imprisoned Dom. John West in 
the customary place for his offences and to the end that he should not 
go out of the allowing places till the arrival of the subprior, viz. the 
dioister, the church, the dormitory and the refectory. Also he com- 
manded him that on every Friday till the coming of the subprior he 
should fast on bread and water. 

And the Bishop sent them Dom. Elizeus canon of Tortjmgtoa and 
alected him subprior with the consent of the prior and chapter. 

Such was the state of Michelham Priory at the end of 
the fifteenth century and such was the state of hundreds 
of the smaller monasteries throughout the kingdom. 
Little wonder that the next century should see their 
suppression, more wonder that they should have sm-vived 
so long. Not that the convents were, as they are often 
called, ' ^ hot-beds of vice ; " nor did they exert a corrupting 
influence over the laity — save that they tended to bring 
religion into contempt — they were no worse than their 
neighbours, but they were Kttle better: starting with 
the highest ideals, the abjuration of the world and the 
abnegation of self, the desire for a spiritual life and the 
service of God, the monastic system had done glorious 
service for religion and learning ; but it had outlived its 
day ; the wealth abjured by its followers was heaped upon 
them by pious or hell-scared laymen and necessitated their 
leaving their cloisters to fight in the law-courts, a process 
which tends the least of any to being " in charity with 
all men," and the features of their high ideal were lost, 
tarnished and blackened bv the smoke of burnt offerings 
— fired originally to the glory of God and the enlighten- 
ment of the world, but later serving only to give warmth 
to lean-souled brethren — till only the outline, form and 
ceremony remained : then the reaction, despised by the 
laity, plundered by the nobles — and often by their own 
heads — poverty fell upon them and with poverty despair, 
and even the performance of their dead ritual became 
slipshod and careless : then the end. Not that this is true 
of all; many, especially amongst the larger establishments, 
retained to the last much of their ancient V^ beauty of 
holiness," but the larger number of religious houses were 
undoubtedly in a deplorable condition. 



HISTORY OF HAIUSHAM. 233 

But to return. Concerning the new sub-prior there are 
one or two points of interest. It will be noticed that 
John Helbeme, the only canon who makes complaint 
about the conduct of the service, is accused of having 
acquired heretical doctrines during his 15 years' absence 
from the convent, and Thomas Andrewe, who would 
appear to have been his companion during that time, 
speaks in favour of EUzeus, the canon of Tortington. 
Upon looking up the visitation of Tortington for the 
same year we find: *^Dom. Elias Parker, sacrist, says 
that he has much offended against the prior at different 
times by disobedience and especially on last ReUc Sunday 
by using opprobrious words, and he therefore humbly 
begs pardon for his disobedience." Further details are 
given by Dom. Richard Bampton, who says that ^' Dom. 
Elias was disobedient to the prior on the day of relics last 
past, for he told the prior that he committed idolatry in 
worshipping and honouring sacred objects and relics of 
saints and placing them upon the high altar and so they 
contended together." 

The appointment, however, of this religious and 
enlightened sub -prior was not enough, and after a 
visitation in 1481, of which the result is not recorded, 
pressure was probably brought to bear on Edward Marley , 
which resulted in his resignation. 

^^ 1482 Sept. 4 ... In a small room of the monastery of the Holy 
Trinity at Michelham in my presence and in the sight of those whose 
names are given below being present in their own persons, the 
honorable man of religion, Edward Marley, then prior of that 
Monastery produced a certain act of resignation written with his own 
hand laying aside and resigning his said priorship in the following 
words : In the Name of God — I Edward Marley, priest, canon of the 
order of S' Au^stine, prior of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at 
Mychelham bemg worn out with old age and bodily weakness and 
being unable any longer to maintain the rule and burden of the office 
of Prior ; and therefore wishing and seeking, these and other causes 
warning me, to be relieved from the burden, care, rule, office and 
administration of the spiritual and temporal matters of the said priory, 
I resign the said priorship with all the dignities rights and privileges 
thereto appertaininc;, into the hands of the venerable Masters WiUiam 
Mille and John FuUer, Bachelors of Law, appointed for this special 

"T storey Regiefter. 



234 HISTORY OP HAIJU3HAM. 

purpose, and do of my own free will renounce and b j this deed do 
lully and absolutely resign the said dignity and office. 

This was done as is described above on the aforesaid day in the 
presence of ^ John Denysh Esquire Eobert Bussebrygge and Hobert 
Stoneacre Canon of the Diocese of Chichester, witnesses of the above. 
And I Edward Fowler of Rype of the Diocese of Sarum Notary 
Public being there present in my own person saw and heard all the 
above so done. 

1482-c. 1 509. John West. Of his election we have a 
long and interesting account, in which he plays a satis- 
factory part, and knowing nothing against him as Prior 
we will hope that he had turned over a new leaf since 
the visitation of 1478 : 

**'Elias Parker supprior of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at 
Mychelham informs tne Bishop of the resignation of Edward Marley 
and that the convent after a meeting in chapter had fixed September 
the 13'** for the election of the new Prior. 

And when the 13^ of September, the date fixed for the election as 
has been related, was come, the Mass of the Holy Spirit was first 
celebrated with due reverence in the church of our Monastery and 
then the bell rang as usual for Chapter. Immediately aU who would 
could or should take part in an election of this kind, namely myself 
Brother Elias Parker subprior and Brothers Edward Marley Dom. 
Bobert Stoneacre Dom. John Holbeme Dom. John Knotte Dom. John 
West Dom. Thomas Andrew (by his proxy lawfully appointed) Dom. 
Alan Morfote and John Appys a novice, canons and brethren, one 
and all assembled as for chapter together with Notaries public and 
witnesses in our chapter house ; and the Word of God was expounded 
by Master William Mylle. And when this was finished, having* 
invoked the Grace of God in prayer by the singing of the hymn 
**Veni Creator Spiritus," the Decree of the General Council ''Qua 
propter" was read before us and expounded in the vulgar tongue, and 
after several commands recommendations and prohibitions customary 
at elections had been g^ven by me the subprior we held a discussion 
as to what way or manner we should proceed in the matter of this 
election and finally we decided to proceed by way of ballot. Then we 
chose two trustworthy members of our convent, Dom. John Knotte 
and Dom. Alan Morfote, and to them we others being met in chapter 
for the election gave power that they should enquire the wishes of all 
of us secretly and separately and write them down and speedily declare 
the same votes themselves or cause them to be declared by one of the 
Notaries public. Thereupon the scrutineers accepting their office 
withdrew to a comer of the chapter-house, the rest of us all going 
out, and associating with themselves the Notaries Public and witnesses 
proceeded to the ballot enquiring in turn the votes of all and every of 

*« His father, John Benyssh, Esq., of Hellingly, left in 1477 " to the prior and 
convent of Michelham for obits 20" " — and the same to Bayham andBobertsbrid^ 
and 6« 8<i to Hastings (Wattys, 28). 



HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 235 

us separately and secretly and caused the same votes to be at once 
written down by one of the Notaries, as they afterwards told us. And 
when all the votes had been thus obtained and written down, then 
immediately before anything else was done Edward Fowler who was 
on this occasion associated with another Notary Public declared the 
whole of the said votes before us all who had now returned to the 
chapter-house. And when they had been declared we made a count 
and found that no more had voted than had a right to take part in the 
election ; and one and all without exception — save that John Appys 
the novice had given his vote for Dom. Helias Parker — ^had voted for 
our brother John West — John West himself having voted for Elias 
Parker. And immediately we one and all electors of this election 
approving and confirming the choice solemnly chanting **Te Deum 
Laudamus " conducted our said prior elect, as our custom is, to the high 
altar in our conventual church and there set him down. And when 
the said chant and the customary prayer had been finished I the sub- 
prior on my own behalf and on behalf of all the electors did in the 
choir of our said church clearly announce and declare in the vulvar 
tongue to the people there assembled the election of our said brother 
Jolm West. And later after the third hour of the same day the said 
Dom. John Knotte and Dom. Alan Morfote, the scrutineers, on their 
own behalf and on behalf of all the electors declared and presented 
in writing the result of the election to the said John West our elect 
in the hall of the priory before the notaries and witnesses and begged 
him constantly and with all due instance that he would deign to give 
his consent to the election of himself thus made, but he refused his 
assent making many excuses for himself and said that he wished to 
have time for consideration of the matter. And later in the same day 
about the fifth hour John Knotte and Alan Morfote went again to our 
elect who was then in the Chapel of the Blessed Mary, and desired his 
consent as before and he after making various excuses, being overcome 
by the prayers of us and of others standing by, and not wishing, as 
he said, to resist the divine will, did within the time allowed by law 
on such occasions namely on the same day consent to his election. 
... Wherefore we Elias Parker subprior and the convent of Mychel- 
ham unanimously beg that you will deign to graciously confirm this 
our election. 

Witness; Dom. William Joys vicar of Ghidingle and Dom. John 
Whytyngton vicar of Selmyston. 

After 3iis follow the declarations of the two Notaries, Edward Fuller 
of Rype of Sarum diocese, and Walter Fuller of Ukfeld of Canterbury 
diocese, to the effect that the above account is correct. Then a letter 
of Thomas Wyllys vicar of Fryston and Dean of Pevensey to the 
Bishop that on the 7* and 8*^ of October he made proclamation in 
the church of Michelham that any one objecting to the election of 
John West should come forward, but none did so. And finally John 
doos Dean of Chichester, acting for the Bishop who is absent on 
affairs outside the diocese, confirms the election. 

John, Prior of Michelham, was summoned to convoca- 
tion by the Bishop eight times between the years 1483 



236 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

and 1509. In the latter year he was associated with the 
Prior of Lewes, John and Thomas Theccher and others 
on a **• commission of sewers for the district " firom la 
Beauchieff to Pevensey and through the marsh of 
Wellington and Moryngemyll to Langney-gatte and 
thence to the sea, and from Hanwell within the flow 
of the sea to Estbom Wellington and Langney." The 
following document of the previous year is given by 
Dugdale in his ^^ Embanking : " 

At a Last held at West Ham 3"» Oct. 24 Hemy Tin. {sic—recU 
Henry Vii.) before John prior of Lewes, Bichard abbot of Begham, 
John prior of Michelham, Thomas Lord Dacres and others it was 
enacted that no man should set nets pots or engines or make dams &c 
within the bounds of Pevensey Marsh under penalty of 10" to be 
leyied by the bailifp for the common ffood of the Marsh. But this is 
not to prevent land-owners having fuU right of fishing provided they 
do not interfere with the system of drainage. 

c. 1518-1537. Thomas Holbeme. He was ordained 
sub-deacon in 1502 and was probably the immediate 
successor of John West. *" In 1518 a charter of confirma- 
tion was granted to Thomas, Prior of Michelham ; it 
is practically identical with that granted in 1425 and 
contains no fresh items. ***In 1522, amongst those who 
subscribed towards " an annual grant to be made by the 
spirituality for the King's personal expenses in France 
for the recovery of the crown of France," the Prior of 
Michilham is put down for £50. *^*At the convocation 
at Canterbury in 1533, on the question of the King's 
divorce, Thomas, Prior of Michelham, was one of the 
253 who sided with the King — 19 only having the courage 
to oppose him. *^^In 1535 Thomas, Prior of Michilham, 
leased the manor of Chinting to Arthur Banester, gent., 
son of Joan, widow of William Everard, and John 
Okynden, of Seaford, for £15. 6. 8 plus 16 qrs. of 
wheat and 14 qrs. of barley yearly; the lessors and 
lessees to be allowed to take fish and waterfowl in the 
marshes. His letter about the manor of Otham has been 

<*» Pat., 1° Henry VIII., p. 2, m. 2 D ICal.']. 
^ Pat., 10° Henry VIII., p. 2, m. 28. 
*« " Letters and Papers of Henry VIH.'' 
*» Fiddes, "Life of Cardinal Wolsey." 



Dom. Alan Morfote Bubprior 
Dom. Thomas Luck sacrist 
Dom. Edmund Pellam cellarer 



Novices 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 237 

already quoted. There are three visitations recorded 
during his priorship, giving but little information : ^ 

Visitation of the Priory of Michelham held by John Worthiall 
19«»8ept. 1521. 
Dom. Thomas Holben prior 
Dom. Alan Morfote subprior 
Dom. Mathew Blaohyndon sacrist 
Dom. Thomas Lucke precentor 
*"Dom. Edmund Pellam master of the novices 

Novices 

The Prior and the brethren all say that all is well. 

Visitation of the Priory of Michelham by Master John Worthiall 

Aug SI-* 1524 

Dom. Thomas Holbeme prior ] Dom. Bobert Mott 

. , Martin Kater 

pnests j^^^^ p^^^ 

William Cooper 

Dom. Thomas Holbeme the prior says that as regards the conduct 
of his brethren all is well : the nouse is ruinous in places especially in 
the cloister. Then the visitor orders him to sufficiently repair all the 
defects within a year from the feast of All Saints next under penalty 
of 20' to be paid to the Cathedral church, and to show an account of 
his administration there before next Easter together with a list of the 
goods and jewels of the house. 
All the Canons say that all is well. 

Visitation in 1527. 

Dom. Thomas Holbeme prior Dom. William Copar 

Dom. Alan Morfote subprior Dom. Martin Cater deacon 

Dom. Thomas Luck sacrist Dom. Eobert Forde deacon 

Dom. Edmund Pellam cellarer Gregory Fote ) _^--:^- 

Dom. Eobert Mott instructor of WilBam Luck J ^^^^« 
the novices 

Dom. Thomas Holbeme the prior says that all is well save that the 
priory is somewhat ruinous. The other canons say that all is well. 

Though little is to be learnt from these brief notices, 
that in itself shows that the state of affairs had much 
improved since fifty years before, though the Priory was 
evidently in straitened circumstances. When it fell in 
accordance with the decree for the suppression of the 

*Bs Shirbume Register. 

*•* PoBsibly the ** Sir Pelham," afterwards chaplain of Otham. 



238 HI8T0RT OF HAILSHAM. 

lesser monasteries no such scandalous wickedness was 
alleged against it as was subsequently laid to the charge 
— ^with how much truth ? — of Lewes and Battle, two of 
the ^^ great solemn monasteries wherein (thanks be to 
God) religion is right well kept and observed," as they 
were termed in the hypocritical preamble of the first Act 
of Suppression. 

The history of the Priors may well conclude with the 
following : 

**The Sang to all &c : When lately the Priory of Michelham was 
suppressed by authority of Parliament, Thomas Holbeme was Prior 
there and had been for a long time preyious : we being willing to 
give a reasonable annual pension to the same Thomas for his main- 
tenance and support have g^nted to him an annuity or annual pension 
of £20 sterling to be held enjoyed and received yearly from the time 
of the dissolution of the said late Priory to the end of the life of the 
said Thomas or until he be advanced by us to one or more ecclesiastical 
benefices or other fitting provision of the clear yearly value of £20 
or over. 

GKven at Westminster, S^ March, 28* year of our reign. 

«» Aug. Off. Miac. Books, 232. 




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CHAPTER XVI. 

The architectural remains of the Priory of Michelham 
consist of the handsome gateway tower guarding the 
bridge across the moat, and a portion of the conventual 
buildings now incorporated with later, post -monastic, 
additions to form the present house. The Priory does 
not appear to have differed from the normal plan of an 
Augustinian house — that is to say, the church on the 
north, chapter house with dormitory above it on the 
east, refectory on the south and the cellarer's buildings 
on the west. The church has been utterly destroyed 
and even the foundations cannot at present be accurately 
tmced, but either one of the transepts or a chapel seems 
to have projected into the cloister-garth; it was presum- 
ably cruciform and, as we learn from inventories, possessed 
five bells. The chapter house and dormitory are similarly 
wanting, but a portion at least of the refectory remains, 
enough to give some idea of its original form. It was a 
long and lofty hall — some 40 feet in length, lit on either 
side by five windows (shown only on me south in the 
plan) and a very fine window at the west end ; this window 
was of five lights, apparently in the early ** Geometrical " 
style, and measures across at the spring of the arch, 
13-ft. 6-in. ; at the north angle of the west wall is a plain 
pointed doorway and another similar at the west end of 
the south wall ; opposite the latter in the north wall is 
another slightly more elaborate entrance, the architrave 
being of two chamfered orders and the hood moulding 
terminating on the west in the head of a man wearing a 
hat; some 12 feet east of this door is **^® another smaUer 
and quite plain, probably the brethren's entrance, the 
other leading to the d^us where the Prior and guests sat. 
Between the two doors is an interesting structure which 
I consider to have been the lavatory ; it consists of two 
graceful arches springing from **"capitals ornamented 

^ From the way in which this door was blocked I am inclined to think that it 
was filled up before the dissolution of the Prioiy. 

^^ Mr. P. M. Johnston has pointed out to me the interesting fact that the chapel 
on the north of Hellingly Church is obyiously by the same builder as this part of 
Michelham, the foliage of the capitals in each case being exactly similar. 



240 HISTOBT OF HAILSHAM. 

with well-executed foliage. The space enclosed by the 
two arches — ^measuring ten feet in length — was originally 
filled in with carefully faced blocks of brown sanastone, 
of which a portion remains in the eastern bay, the re^t 
having been removed in the seventeenth century' to insert 
a ^wmdow; below these faced blocks — ^whicn seem to 
have been covered with plaster, in which case they would 
no doubt have been painted — at a distance of 3-ft. 6-iii. 
fi*om the apex of the arch runs a simple projecting cornice 
of the same stone. Below the cornice is now rough 
ashlar, but probably there was originally a basin or 
trough, possibly of marble, with a raised, step; there 
is a square opening at the west end of the cornice and 
in the centre below the junction of the two arches is a 
hollow depression, which may have been for the cock if 
the water was brought by a pipe from inside through 
the opening just mentioned; one might, however, 
have expected the basin to be filled by hand from the 
well in the centre of the cloister-garth — still marked by a 
pump. It may not be out of place here to quote one or 
two remarks by Mr. Willis Claric, bearing on the monastic 
lavatory: **^"'At daybreak the brethren were again 
awakened by sound of bell. On leaving the Dorter they 
went to the lavatory in the cloister to wash their handjs 
and comb their hair, and then to the church. ... In 
the House of St. Denis at Rheims . . . before Prime was 
sung (at daybreak) all the brethren are to get up and go 
to the lavatory, and if all cannot wash at the same time the 

1'uniors are to wash first. When th^ have washed their 
lands they are to go into that part of the cloister which is 
next to the church and to wait until all have washed. . . . 
After sext (or on fast days none). The brethren left the 
church in procession and when the Sub-Prior had rung the 
dinner-bell they went straight into the frater after washing 
at the lavatory — ^where (at Barnwell) a whetstone and 
sand were kept for sharpening their knives." 

At the time of the dissolution the refectory was 
evidently unroofed and the upper part of its walls tnrown 

«M View by Grimm, about 1784 ; Add. MSS., 5,671, fo. 51. 

*^ " Obseryances in Use at the Augostinian Priory of Barnwell." 



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HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 241 

down ; subsequently it was divided into two storeys and 
cut up into a number of small rooms, so that no traces 
of the original internal arrangements can be discerned. 
At the east end — the door in the south wall here is of the 
seventeenth century — the wall, having fallen down some 
fifty years since, was roughly rebuilt and only retains 
two ancient features ; a corbel at the south angle and a 
pillar against the centre of the wall. These both appear 
to me to be in their original positions and to have 
supported the vaulting of the small chamber outlined 
on the plan, perhaps the '* Calefactorium," in excavating 
the foundations of which a number of tiles stamped with 
the emblem of the Holy Trinity were found.*^ Above 
this was the dormitory and to the south of it the rere- 
dorter, of which the only trace is a small drainage stream 
running to the moat. 

The most perfect remains of the monastic buildings 
are to be found on the western side of the cloister-garth 
— the cloisters themselves have completely vanished, they 
may have been only of wood, and were noted as in bad 
repair, even before the suppression. The room marked 
on the plan " Vaulted Room " is a square chamber with 
very massive Vails ; it was until recently divided by 
partitions into four small rooms, but has now been 
opened up by Mr. Qw3nine. The handsome vaulted 
roof is supported by massive ribs springing from a 
circular central pillar and eight corbels, two on each 
wall (see the two illustrations) ; at the intersection of the 
ribs are circular bosses, of which one is carved into the 
semblance of clownish face, a second bears an heraldic 
rose — ^possibly added at a later period — the third appears 
to have the emblem of the Holy Trinity slightly cut upon 
its surface and the fourth is plain. There are two modem 
windows in the west wall and the northernmost bay of 
that wall contains traces of an ancient blocked window 
or door ; in the centre of the south wall a modern door 

^ These tiles were laid out for the inspection of the Sussex Aichseological 
Society on the occasion of their meetinff at Michelham, and at the end of the 
meeting, so Bir. Gwynne tells me, had all disappeared. They have not yet been 
returned. 



242 HI8T0RT OF HAILSHAM. 

leads to what would originally have been the exterior, 
but is now part of the house ; the blocked door on the 
north seems also to be post-monastic. A door on the east 
leads into a vaulted passage or slype with a door to the 
exterior at its southern end; at the northern end is a 
circular stair leading to a room above, and also the 
entrance into what was apparently a large vaulted 
chamber, of which the only remains are three corbels on 
the south wall and two on the north (now forming part 
of a stable) and the base of a circular column, marked 
on the plan. The slype was lighted by a squint-like 
window high up in the south-west angle and had a door, 
now blocked and converted into a window, opening into 
the cloisters. It only remains to mention two curious 
openings in the walls of the vaulted room; both are 
square, low down — about four feet from the ground — 
and have broad deeply splayed sills ; one opens into the 
slype, on which side it is splayed, and the other com- 
municated with the exterior, being splayed on the inside; 
their use is problematical ; the large chamber on the north 
may have been either the kitchen or cellarage, the vaulted 
room the cellarer's office, or " checker," and the openings 
have served as a kind of buttery-hatch, the provisions 
being passed through the one into the checker and thence 
through the other to the attendants just outside the 
refectory door. On the other hand, they may not. 

The circular stair already mentioned led up into a lar^e 
room with a very lofty roof, now considerably lowered ; 
this was probably the Prior's hall. In the south wall 
were (probably) two fine fourteenth century windows of 
two lights divided by a transom, measuring 10-ft. 6-in. by 
4-f t. ; of these only the eastern has as yet been uncovered. 
Between the windows is the fine fireplace divided into two 
portions, with a flat stone bracket on either side of the 
projecting funnel (see woodcut, p. 220) ; in this formerly 
stood a pair of ^^^ andirons termmating in human heads 
wearing caps of the time of Henry VII. High up above 
the fireplace was a third small window. At the north- 

Ml These were lemoyed by a late tenant, and I should be glad to hear of their 
whereabouts. 



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HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 243 

west angle of the room is a blocked doorway from which 
a flight of steps seems to have led down to the gromid ; 
and another door in the north wall communicated with 
rooms now destroyed. 

Mr. Cooper states that "an old plan, dated 1667, 
shows the building to have been at that time much 
more extensive towards the north, having the principal 
front to the west, with three chimneys instead of the 
solitary one now remaining, and a roof much higher 
than the present, of which a small part still exists." A 
copy of this plan,*®* in Mr. Gwynne s possession, which I 
have seen, does not seem to me to bear out these remarks. 
It is a rough drawing of the estate by a local carpenter, 
the house not being depicted with any attempt at accuracy; 
the three chimneys are probably the one original and two 
later stacks now existing, drawn with no regard to perspec- 
tive, and my personal opinion is that the house has been 
practically as it now is for the last 300 years. Of the 
post -monastic portion of the house I shall merely say 
that several of the rooms contain good old oak panelling, 
much of which has got into a very bad condition, but is 
being well restored by the present owner. 

The gateway tower is a handsome massive grey stone 
structure of the fifteenth century. On a level with the 
moat is a dark damp brick chamber, either used as a cellar 
or possibly the monastic prison*^ ; above the doorway are 
two similar rooms, reached by stairs in a turret at the 
south-west angle, which lead also to the parapet, each 
containing a fireplace and lighted by two windows of two 
lights divided by transoms on the south, and one window 
on the east and west. In the angles between the cusps 
and the transoms of the lower windows were small shields 
— eight in all— on which no devices ai'e now visible, if 
indeed they ever bore any. The side windows in the 
lower storey are of one light, while in the upper storey 
they are similar to the front.*" 

*^ The plan shows the miU with two wheels instead of one as at present. 

«» AUnded to in the Visitation of 1478. 

*^ I maj mention that Mr. Owynne (F.S.A.) is of the opinion that the 
*' Refectory** was the chnrch— the ** Oalefactorium ** being the chancel and the 
** Lavatory *' a chapel^-and the ** Vaulted Boom '* the chapter-house. 

U 2 



244 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

In 1536 the Act for the suppression of the lesser 
monasteries was passed by a Parliament judicioiisly 
packed by the King, and by it aU establishmente 
possessing an income of less than £200 fell to the Crown. 
^^ Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure 
nineteen nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income 
twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought 
and SIX, result misery," said Mr. Micawber. "Annual 
income two hundrea pounds, ought and six, result a 
great and solemn monastery wherein, thanks be to God, 
religion is right well kept and observed. Annual income 
one hundred and ninety nine nineteen six, result manifest 
sin, vicious and abominable living," said the suppressors. 
In order therefore to ascertain the relative wickedness of 
the monasteries throughout the land a general valuation 
had to be made — the "Valor Ecclesiasticus " — and 
Michelham Priory was so unfortunate as to miss virtue 
by £8. 0. 8. 1 The following is the detailed account : 

Priory of Miohelham. 
Laugtoh: Lease of rectory with appurtenances in tenure 

of John Fawkenor, and yearly rent 106* 8' 

Alfbyston : Lease of rectory with appurtenances, in tenure 

of John Bust, and yearly rent 16* 13" 4* 

Flsoohyko : Lease of rectory with appurteneuices, in tenure 

of John Ghent, and yearly rent 106' 8' 

Ablyitqton, Aylbsham, Wbsham, Sutton, and Seffobd 
Issues from demesne land, viz. arable, meadows, g^razing 
land and pasture in hands of the prior of Michelham for 
the use of his house, estimated by the commissioners to 

be worth yearly 25* 11" 0* 

Michelham Makob 

Profits of a watermill near the priory estimated at 58* 3^ 

Bent of certain tenements belonging to the manor 78" 2' 

ShABNBFOLD AlTD DoWNASHS. 

Bent of certain tenements belonging to these manors. ... 10* 9* 7' 

HaTLBSHAM AlTD HeLYKGLYB. 

Lease of lands called Bere, Harmannyshay, Mauncell and 

others, in tenure of Bobert Forster 53" 4*^ 

Lease of lands called Shaldmershe and Fothermershe in 
tenure of John A Broke 20" 

Lease of land called Brodemershe in tenure of Alan 
Ookshatt 23" 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 245 

Lease of land called Dobbismershe in tenure of Simon 

Holbeme 26- S** 

Lease of land called Losemerahe in tenure of William 

Kentysley 78" 4* 

Lease of lands near Hurstbrige in tenure of John Holbeme 1 8' 4** 
Lease of land called Orokeme in tenure of Bobert Fowler 12* 
Lease of lands called Sebrands with 2 acres of land adjoin- 
ing in tenure of Alan Cokshit 8' 

Arltkotok. 
Lease of lands called Kylbeck and Tanners in tenure of 

Alexander Parkar 3» 6* 

Lease of land called Skyers in tenure of Simon Holbeme 60' 
Lease of a croft called Tanners at Blacklane in tenure of 

Edward Fete 2« 

Bent of a farm called Bjrche in tenure of John Okynden 40" 

WSSTHAM. 

Lease of leuid called Shemefold in tenure of Thomas 

Theccher 23" 7** 

Lease of two parcels in Shamefold and one in Button in 

tenure of John Nicholas 29* 

Bent of lands called Lame Lease, F^ckfeld and Panne in 

tenure of John Howall and John Wynswyst 66" 8* 

Bent .of land called Ditton in tenure of Edward Mychel- 

grove ISM** 

Bent of similar parcel in Ditton in tenure of Bobert 

Gyldrege 13* 4'* 

Lease of land called Boltacre in tenure of Edward Foote 6' 8' 
Lease of land in Shemefold in tenure of the widow of 

John Colyngham 46" S** 

Wyllynodow 
Lease of lands called Michelham in tenure of Simon 
Affenell 40* 

Pbvbnsby. 
Lease of land in the marsh at Manks for which should be 

paid 26" 8'* 

Lease of land there called Currey in tenure of Simon 

Holbeme 41* 4'* 

Lease of land called Beylond in tenure of William 

Theelond 43* 

Lease of land called Wrenham in tenure of Simon 

Holbeme 26* 8* 

Mafeld 
Lease of the manor of Isenhurst with appurtenances, in 

tenure of Bichard Lucke 100* 

Lease of a watermill in tenure of Baker 20* 



246 HlSTOBt OF HAILSUAM. 

E[bbtfeld 
Lease of land called Holewyche in tenure of John Sakvile 

Esq 82* 8* 

OOWDBN 

Lease of land in tenure of William Wykenden^ 14' 

Lease of the manor with appurtenances, in tenure of John 
Weykyng 60" 

Bbiohthelhtston 
Lease of lands and tenements in tenure of John Smyth 

alias Waterman 100* 

StJTTON AOT) SbFFORD 

Lease of lands forming part of the manor of Sutton in 

tenure of John Okynden 7* 0« 0^ 

Lease of other land being part of the same manor with 

appurtenances in tenure of John a Broke 6^00 

Lease of the manor of Chynting with appurtenances in 
tenure of Arthur Banyster and John Okynden 23' 11' 8' 

Yevynoton 
Lease of land called Broughton in tenure of John 
Wynswyst 66' 

BOBNX 

Lease of lands in tenure of John Payne 8* 8** 

Arukoton and Heylesham 

Lease of land called Highwallens in tenure of Eobert 

Randall 26« 8* 

Lease of land called Kell in tenure of John Okynden and 

Edward Foote 113« 4'' 

Lease of land called Knokheche in tenure of Stephen 

Mortymer 26« 8* 

Lease of the tiled house in tenure of Edward Foote .... 26* 8* 

Total value of spiritualities and] £ini ig a 
temporalities of the said abbey ) 

Deductions made in accordance with instructions. 

ACCOTTNT OF PAYMENTS. 

To the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of 

Chichester for lands in Pevensey Westham and Haylesham 1 06* 8* 

To the Prior of Lewes for lands called Wallands 10« 0* 

To the same in lieu of court service for the same lands .... 12^ 
To the Abbot of Batell for lands called Calborowe in 

Helyngley at Flodgats 9« 0* 

To the same abbot in lieu of court service at Alfryston .... 4' 

^ The land had been giyen to the Priory 300 years pre^iouBly by one of the 
Bame family. 



HISTOET OP HA1L8HAM. 247 

To the lord King for lands in Wyllingdon held as of the 

Duchj of Lancaster 85* 1"^ 

To the same in lieu of court service 2" 

To the same lord King for the land called Deker belonging 

to the manor of Laghton 5^' 

To the said lord King for lands in Sutton parcel of the 

Duchy of Lancaster 16* 

To Thomas Duke of Norffolk for other lands in Sutton .... 2" 8<* 

To the Abbot of Eobertsbrigge for other lands in Sutton . . 17* 3* 
To the ^Alderman of Fexborowe for rent called hundredth 

rent 11* 

To Lord de la Warre for lands called Fellonds in Fokynton 2* 

To the Prior of Lewes for the manor of Sutton 100* 

To the churchwardens of Westham for laads called Fellands 

in Fokyngton 4* 

To Anthony Sands for land called Plajeslond 2" 8* 

PrOGUBAGES, Iin)BMNITIE8 AND PeKSIOKB. 

To the Dean and Chapter of Chichester for procurage and 

indemnity of the churches of Flecchinge and Alfryston. . 13* 4* 
To the same for procurage arising from Alfryston aforesaid 26" 8* 
To the Bishop of Chichester for indenmity of the churches 

of Flecching and Alfryston 20* 

To the archdeacon for similar indemnities of the same 

churches 5* 

To the same for procurage of the church of Langton 7* 

To the same for procuxage of the church of Alfryston .... 6* 8** 
To the Prior of Lewes for pension from the same church of 

Alfryston 20* 

To the free chapel of Merysfeld for annual pension from 

lands called Shamefeld in Westham 10* 

To the Bishop of Chichester for procurage of the said prioiy 6* 2^* 

Fees of the Stewabd, Bboeiyer, Attditob and Bailiff. 

To Master Thomas Crumwell secretary of state to the lord 
King, steward of the manors lands and tenements of the 
said priory 40* 

To Giles Fynes Esquire, under steward of the manor of 

Mychelham 26* 8"* 

To Eichard Sackvile gentleman, steward of the manors of 

Cowden and Holenwyshe 26* 8* 

To Thomas Pelham, receiver-general of all the manors, 
lands and tenements of the said abbey, for his yearly fee 
together with 6* for his privileges (libertate) 37* 8* 

"'^ A term peculiar to Suseez, apparently equiyalent to Ck>n6table. 



^48 HISTOBY OF HA1L8HAM. 

To Thomas Darell, auditor of the same priory 26' 8^ 

To Edward Foote, bailiff of all the lands &c of the said 
abbey, for his yeiurly fee together with 1 1' for his privileges 64' 4* 

Total of the said deductions £31 6 9 

And so the dear value is £160 12 6 

Tithes thereof £16 15 

The suppression of Michelham having thus been 
determinea commissioners were sent down to report on 
the value of the plunder that would accrue to the Crown 
from this and other Sussex priories, their report being 
embodied in the following " Brief Certificate : "*^ 

The Pryorye of Mychelham : black channons of the order of Sanct 
Augustin. 

The Cleir yerely value at the first survey— cxl" adj' vj*. 

The Cleir yerely value of the same house at this new survey — 
clxiiij" xiij' vj** with Ixij' of increase viz. the demaynes ij". 

Beligious parsons ix — ^whereof preestes viij novises j, Inconts. none 
all desiring capacities.^ 

Servntts xxix — ^whereof wayting servtes xviij — hynds xj. 

Bells leade and other beyloings to be sold by estimacon xzx^ — the 
housse in good estate. 

The entier value of the^moveable goods Iv" xiiij' iiij*. In stores w* 
fermors ij" — debtte ovdng to the same house ix" xv* ij^ 

Woodes there iiij" acres all above xx yeres age at xiij* iiij' the acre 
liij" vj' viij** — comun for fourty beestes. parks — none. 

Debtt owing by the same house as appearith pticularly by a booke 
thereof made remayning w* the comyshenors — xxvj" ix" j**. 

The work of destroying all the buildings connected with 
that religion whose purity the suppressors claimed to be 
vindicating, and of converting every marketable object 
into money was rapidly proceeded with, and in 1537 
John Mores, ^'one of the commissioners for the dissolu- 
tion and suppression of certain monasteries," drew up 
the subjoined account :*^^ 

Priory of Michelham. 
Jewels asb Silver Vessels : — ^The value of 203 ounces 
of silver obtained from the jewels and silver vessels of 

<«7 Exch. Q. R. Miscellanea, ^. 

*^ i.e., all were willing to accept eccledaetical beneficee. 

^ TranBcripts of the Mlmsters' Accounts relating to seven Sussex Monasteries 
have been made for the Sussex Archasological Society, to the courtesy of whose 
Secretary I am indebted for this inventory. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 249 

the said late Priory ; viz. pure silver 94 oz. worth 3' 4** 
an ounce, silver parcel-giLt 34 oz. worth 3* 8^ an ounce, 
and silver gilt 75 oz. worth 4* 0^** ; paid into the Treasury 
of the Court of Augmentation of the Crown Revenues, 
for the use of the Lord King £27 14^ 

Chukch Obkambnts : — The value of all the ornaments of 
the church including pictures and stones called Pauyn- 
stones and other things in the said church sold to divers 
persons £15 13 2 

Household Goods : — The value of all the moveable ^^oods 
of the household {hospicii) similarly sold to divers, 
excepting the beds of the Prior and Convent which 
were given them by the King's Commissioners of the 
King's charity £7 18 2 

Grain: — The value of all kinds of grain — ^nothing — 
because none was found in their bams nor on their lands. 

Miscellaneous Chattels: — The value of all kinds of 
chattels of the moveable goods of the said late priory 
sold to Anthony Pelham £68 5 

Lead : — ^The value of 13 wagon-loads and 1500^*^" of lead 
found there by the Commissioners and by them handed 
over to Anthony Pelham and John Fawkenor to be 
kept safe for the use of the King, — ^nothing — ^because 
it still remains for the King's use. 

Bells : — The value of five Bells weighing 40 cwt. sold by 

the Conmiissioners to *^Ipyngbury at 13' 4** the cwt. . . £26 13 4 

Buildings, fto. : — The value of divers buildings sold to 

divers persons £16 9 3 

Total ....£162 0^ 
Payments — Mychelham 

Paid to eight Canons there of the Eling's charity for 

their salaries for one quarter £13 13 4 

Paid to servants of the said Priory for their wages for 
one quarter ending at the Annunciation of the Blessed 
Virgin Mary, in the 28"» year of the Bang's reign . . £23 17 4 

Paid to divers Creditors of the said Monastery in fuU 
payment of all debts owed them by the late prior and 
convent £24 15 1 

Total £63 5 9 

Having thus squeezed the Priory dry and extracted all 
available money therefrom, the King fiun^ the remains to 
his faithful jackal, Thomas Lord Cnmiwell : 

^^ At the end of the accounts is a note that John EtUmbury of Maidstone, 
braaier, still owes £20 on bells bold to him by the commissioners. 



250 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

*^ Thomas Cnimwell K.G., lord Qrumwell, the Sing's chief Secretaiy, 
and keeper of the Privy SeaL 

Orant in fee of the house and site of the suppressed piiory of 
Michilham, Sussex ; the church &c. ; a watermiU near the same, 
the lordships and manors of Michelham, Shamefold, Downeajaslie, 
Haylisham, Helyngly, Otham, Willyngdowne, *" Janynge, Arlyn^ton, 
Westham, Isenherst, Cowden, Sutton, Seeford, and Ghyntynge, Sussex 
belonging to the scud priory : the rectories of the churches of Iiaug:tony 
Alfriston and Fletchyng, Sussex, and the advowsons of the parish 
churches and yicarages mereof ; a pasture called '* le Maries," another 
pasture called Oordhoppe ; the lands called Bramley, Qawygrove, and 
Knothatch, a grove of woods containing 30 acres, the lands called 
'< Bakehouse Fold," and Hogbroke, a pasture called *' Holsham lend," 
a marsh called Laneys mershe, a meadow called Home mershe, a piece 
of land called Longsawts, and another near the lands of Hen. Sawte, 

Eieces of land called Fit&eld and Marlyngs, a pasture called Wide- 
tnd, pieces of land called ^^'Chesehouse Mershe, Fortene acresy 
*^*Warwysshe, Olde Courte, le Whysshe, BuUoks felde, Cowelees, 
Pekkesfeld, and Fellonds, and the land called Olde Parke ; all which 
lie in Mychelham, Arlington, Hayleshcun, Westham, Sutton and See- 
ford, Sussex. 

Also all lands &c called Bere, Harmanshaye, Beuers, Maunsellys, 
Shaldemarshe, Frothermarshe, Brodemershe, Dobbismarshe, Ijose- 
marshe, Hurstbrige, Grokeme and Sebrands in Haylisham and 
Helyngly ; the two parcels of land called Kilbroke and Tanners in 
Arlyngton ; all lands and tenements called Skyers in Arlyngton and a 
croft of land there called Tanners lying at Blake lane ; all messuages 
lands &c called Byrche in Arlyngton ; a parcel of land called Shame- 
fold in Westham ; two parcels of land there in Shamefold and Dutton, 
and all messuages lands &c called Lane Lease, Pikfeld, and Panne in 
Westham ; all messuages lands &c called Ditton in Westham in the 
tenure of Edw. Michilgrove and Bob. Gildredge ; all messuages &c 
called Bolteacres in Westham ; and Michilham in Willyngdone, Sussex; 
the watermill in Mafeld ; all lands and tenements called Holewyche in 
Hartefeld, Sussex ; all messuages &c called Broughton in Tevington, 
Sussex ; ail messuages &c called Highwallons, Kell, and Ejiokhatch 
in Arlyngton and Haylisham, and a tile covered house there ; and all 
other manors &c in the vills &c of Michelham, Laugton, Alfriston, 
Fletchyng, Arlyngton, Haylisham, Westham, Sutton, Seeford, Shame- 
fold, Downeaysshe, Helyngly e, Otham, Willyngdon, Jauyng, Pemsey, 
Isenherst, Mafeld, Hertfeld, Cowden, Brighthelmyston, Chyntyng, 
Yevington and Estboume, Sussex, and elsewhere belonging to the said 

*w Pat. 290 Heniy VIII,, p. 1, m. 23 ICcU.']. 

♦Ta Probably meant for Jevington. 

*7» This occurs (Lewes Castle Deeds, 28, 29) in 1617 under the probably original 
form of '*50 acres of fresh marsh called Jesus marsh ;" in 1622 Sir Edward 
Burton held of the manor of Radmell-Beverington " land called Jesus land '* in 
Eastbourne, no doubt connected with the "fraternity of Jesus" in Eastbourne 
church ('' S.A.C," Vol. XIJI.), and possibly the Hailsham lands had a similar 
connection. 

♦7* Possibly '* Warwick Lane." 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 251 

late prioiy, in as full maimer as Thomas Holbeme, the late prior, held 
the same. 

Annual value £l7l - 4 - 4^ Eent £71 - 4 - 4^. 

Westm : 1 Oct : 29« Henry Vm. 

On Crumwell's meeting the fate he so well deserved 
the Michelham estates reverted to the Crown and were 
disposed of as follows: *''^The Lady Anne of Cleves 
received a grant for life of a pension of £24 issuing from 
lands in the Barony of Lewes, late belonging to the 
Priories of Lewes and Michelham (she is said by tradition 
to have lived in the picturesque old ^^Porched House" 
in Southover) and the Manor of Brighton-Michelham 
(subsequently granted by Queen Elizabeth to Lord 
Buckhurst\ the estate of Broughton in Jevington and 
the rectories and the advowsons of Alfiiston, Fletching 
and Laughton. In connection with the latter we have 
the following note : 

*'*The Dean and Chapter of Chichester have received a yearly 
pension of 26* 8** out of the parsonage and parish church of Alfryston 
and 13* 4^ for indemnities out of the same parsonaee and out of the 
church and parsonage of Fletching belonging to the late prioiy of 
Michelham ; which sums they received of the priors and of Thomas 
Crumwell late Earl of Essex : on Crumwell's attainder the Eling 
assigned these sums to Lady Anne of Cleves, retaining half the 
pensions : the Court decree that the Dean and Chapter shall receive 
20' being half of the pensions and after Lady Anne's death shall also 
receive the other half. 

*''^ Thomas Culpeper, gentleman of the Privy Chamber, 
obtained a lease for 21 years at £17. 3s. 4d. of certain 
parcels of the Manors of Michelham, Parkgate, Shame- 
lold, Downeashe and Isenhtirst. The Manor of Chinting 
was granted to Sir Anthony Browne, and in 1591 Viscount 
Mountaguediedsiesedof thatmanor,valuedat£17. 13s. Od., 
held of Mr. Parker as of his Manor of Jevington.**" The 
greater part of the property, however, passed into the 
hands of William Earl of Arundel in part exchange for 
certain manors in West Sussex to which the King had 
taken a fancy; *''®the grant included — the Manor of 

w " Letters and Papers of Henry VIII.," Vol. XVI. 

*w Aug. Off. Misc. Books, 106 [Cal.^, 

«" Add. MSS., 5,681. 

w Pat., 330 Heniy VIII., p. 1. [Cal.^, 



252 HISTORY OF HATLSHAM. 

Michelham Parkgate with demesne land^ a mill, a brew- 
house and 160 loads of wood to be taken yearly from 
the wood of Michelham Parkgate in the tenure of John 
Foote, on which a reserve rent of £4. IQs. 9d. was put, 
and the Manors of Shamefolde at 43s. Ho^-^ Downeashe 
at 77s. 6d., Holwiche 4s., Cowdeane 4s. This grant also 
includes certain ^^ tenements called Michelham Sextery 
Lands" (lands assigned to the sacrist, or sexton, of the 
Priory^ in Hellingfy, Willingdon, Jevington and Hail- 
sham ;*'• and in 1557 Thomas Sackville obtained lands 
in Wannok called Sex trie land, and in 1612 ^Richard 
Earl of Dorset had tenements called Sextrie Lands in 
Hellingly, Willingdon, Wannocke, Jevington and Down- 
ash ; Thomas Bodle, in his will of 1570, mentions " y* 
Sextens crofte that I holde of my L* Bouckherst," and 
the eighteenth century court book of Pevensey Hundred 
mentions land called Saxtry , apparently near Kickney. 

^In 1546 an Act was passed for the annexation to the 
Duchy of Lancaster of ^^the Vaccary in the forest of 
Ashdown, late parcel of the dissolved monastery of 
Michelham." Another reference to the forest occurs in 
1610 in an inquisition concerning the rights and customs 
of the Forest of Ashdowne: ^^Fletching Manor — The 
Parson of Maresfield is to have Herbage for 31 Kine 
and 2 Bulls within the Forest, whereof 15 are to be 
pastured on the side of the Forest and the other 16 to 
be pastured where the late Prior of Michelham used to 
pasture his cattle." 

Henry Earl of Arundel in 1554 exchanged the estate 
to Queen Mary. The descent of the Manor of Downash 
has already been traced ; another important possession 
of the Priory, the Manor of Isenhurst, had been granted 
to Richard Sackville previous to 1547, as in that year he 
alienated it to *** John Baker, of Mayfield, in whose family 
it remained till about 1780, when Kev. John Kirby held 
it; it afterwards passed by purchase to the family of 

*w Pat., 3» and 49 Ph. and Mary, p. 9 [CcU,^. 
«o Pat., 90 Jaa. I., p. 33 [Cal.']. 
^ Hardy, " Duchy of Lancaater Charters." 
«a Add. MSS., 5,681. 



HISTORT OF HAILSHAM. 253 

Treheme, in whose hands it still is. We shall now be 
concerned only with the Manor of Michelham Parkgate. 

**^In l556theKing and Queen sold for£l,249. 16s. lO^d. 
the site of the Priory of Michelham with its appurtenances 
to John Foote and his heirs and John Roberts. *"In 1567 
John Pelham claimed, as a descendant of Sir John Pelham 
and Joan his wife, who were enfeoflfed of the Manor of 
Laughton in 7"* Henry VI. by Laurence StaflFord and John 
Bachelor, clerks, then seisea thereof, certain waste lands 
of the Diker, now claimed by Anthony Smythe and John 
Foote ; Smythe produces an Indenture of 8 July 8° Eliz. 
granting him 450 acres of the Diker as part of the Queen's 
Honor of the Egle ; and Foote says that he is seised in 
demesne of the site of the late Priory of Michelham and 
of the Manor and Hundred of Michelham Parkegate, which 
includes 80 acres on the Diker. This Anthony Smythe 
W618 probably father of the ^Ambrose Smythe to whom 
John Fote, senior, alienated the manor in 1574 and who 
ten years later granted to John Morley and Elizabeth his 
wife ^' the Manor of Michelham rarkgate with 50 
messuages, 20 cottages, 4 mills, 2 pigeon houses, 60 
gardens, 60 orchards, 100 acres of land, 200 acres of 
meadow, 100 acres of pasture, 200 acres of wood, 400 
acres of furze and brusnwood and 100' of rent." *®®In 
1587 Morley granted to Herbert Pelham, of Hellingly, 
esquire, ^* the site of Michelham Priory (within the moat 
7^ acres 32 perches) with 767 acres of land and the 
manor and messuages, excepting Wannock, Shaldmershe, 
le Tylehouse land, Knockhatch and Lowe Wall amounting 
to 220 acres and certain lands already alienated to Thomeis 
Selwyn, Robert Sackville and Thomas Tyndall." The 
lands mentioned as alienated to Selwyn were "land in 
Haylysham called Tylehouse Cane alias Tylehost alias 
Colebrough containing 80 acres parcel of tne Manor of 
Michelham Parkgate,'' granted to him in 1557.*^ 

That Herbert Pelham made Michelham his residence 
is shown by a pamphlet on " Herbert Pelham, his 

«» Memoranda, T* Jaa. I., Trin. 3. *» Add. MSS., 5,705. 

«* Duchy of Lancaster Pleadings, 77, P. 10. «» " S.A.C.," Vol. VI. 

^ Pat., 3» and 4» Ph. and Mary, p. 8 {001,1, 



354 HISTORT OF HAILSHAM. 

Ancestors and Descendants," by Dr. J. L. Chester, 
which mentions, amongst the children of his second 
wife, Elizabeth West, eldest daughter of Thomas Lord 
de la Warr, ^^ a daughter bom at Michelham 25 March 
1595," who died in infancy, and Anthony Pelham, bom 
at Michelham 5 March, 1600, who became incumbent of 
Fordington in Dorset, where he died in 1659. ^In 1599 
Herbert Pelham " made over his whole interest in the 
estate to Thomas Pelham of Laughton, James Thatcher 
of Priest-hawes (brother of his first wife) and Thomas 
Peirse of Hastings, in trast to sell the same and out of 
the proceeds reserve an annuity of £400 during his life 
for tne maintenance of himself and his family, the residue 
to be applied to the discharge of his debts. Accordingly 
on 6 April, 1601, the property was sold to the Lord 
Treasurer Buckhurst for £4,700, and continued in the 
Sackville family, passing after the death of the third 
Duke of Dorset in 1825 by marriage to William Pitt 
Earl Amherst, till 1897, when the estate was acquired by 
J. E. A. Gwynne, Esq., of Folkington Manor, and the 
Lordship of the Manor was purchased by Horatio 
Bottomley, Esq., of Upper Dicker. 

*®®The Court Rolls commence in 1691, when Charles 
Earl of Dorset was Lord of the Manor and Thomas 
Medley, gent., was steward. The rolls refer to property 
in Hailsham, Arlington and Hellingly ; I shall confine 
myself almost entirely to extracts relating to land in 
Hailsham. The custom of '^ Borough English" obtained 
in this manor, as is shown by an entry of the year 1759: 
^^ Samuel Dodson youngest son and heir accordinff to the 
custom of the manor of Sarah Dodson deceased prays 
admission to a newly erected cottage at the lower end of 
the fair place on the Diccar ; " and other similar entries. 
The " fair place " here mentioned is the part now known 
as Upper Dicker and probably derives its title, not from 
the beauty of its situation, but, as at Otham, from a fair 
having been held there ; the name occurs frequently on 

«8 "S.A.C./' Vol. VI. 

«• Penes Messrs. Glaisyer & Sons, St. James' Street, S.W. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 255 

the rolls, as in 1691, Richard Muggridge surrenders for 
the use of William Smith, of Arlington, blacksmith, a 
tenement "at the upper part of the diccar near the 
Diccar Faireplace," which in 1 697 Smith surrenders for 
the use of Richard Pilbeame, of Chiddingly, mercer. 
One of the first entries for 1691 is the grant to Robert 
Richardson of "half an acre of land on the South 
Comon in Hailsham, with the windmill built thereon, 
late Stonestreetes formerly Hyland and Reinolds and 
once Pooles, held at a rent of 12*," which in 1697 he 
alienated to Nicholas Seavenoakes (or Sennocke) of 
Hailsham, who the same year surrenders it for the use 
of Francis Botting ; the mill subsequently passed through 
the hands of Thomas Colbrand, William Coombes of 
Seaford, John Combes (10 years old in 1703) and 
William Combes in 1711, after which it was apparently 
pulled down, as in 1735 the land is described in a ^rant 
to Joseph Gryer of Hailsham, husbandman, as " hdf an 
acre of land on which a windmill formerly stood;" 
Gryer alienated it in 1737 to Richard Beartup, labotirer, 
who alienated it to Edmund Edes in 1742. 

Other entries which I have considered worth tran- 
scribing are the following: 1691, Wardship of James 
Knight, aged 5, who holds a cottage on the lower part 
of the South Common, late* Bakers, granted to James 
Oxley, who had married Margery Baker, elder cousin of 
James Knight ; Peter Bodle died seised of a messuage, 
a bam and a piece of land called Dess's, alias Holbome 
Hill, containing 3 acres at the lower end of the South 
Common — this was held by Edward Bodle in 1717 and 
alienated in 1741 by John Holman to William Roust, 
whose youngest son and heir Robert succeeded him in 
1762. 1692, John Lopdell of Lewes held a bam and 
5 acres called Bridgefield at Horsebridge ; William 
Chapman died seised of a tenement and croft containing 
one acre at the Pool near Hailsham Town, late Symons, 
now in tenure of Mathew Wakelin — held in 1740 by 
John Tutt. 1693, Peter Bodle died, he held a cottage 
on Hailsham Common, late of Thomas his father, 
Elizabeth his only daughter aged 7; William HambUn 



256 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

alienated a croft called Potters, late Kenchleys of 
Ambroses, to Edward Ede ; Samuel Eliot of Herstmon- 
ceuz, a cottage and garden at ^'le Stoneylane end" in 
Hailsham, late Martins; John Bodle, lands called 
Profits, containing 14 acres at Moorbrook, late Elphicks, 
formerly Akehersts and once Strokers. 1696, death of 
John Foot presented, he held a messuage " near the 
Park at the Diccar." 1698, ** third proclamation that 
claim should be made for a cottage and an acre of land 
at Harbetting greene in Haylsham late of John Jennings 
and formerly Willerds of which Mary the wife of William 
Younge of Wadhurst lately died seised ; and then came 
to the court Mary Younge only daughter and heir of the 
said Mary, aged 4, in propria persona and desired to be 
admitted thereto . . . seisin was granted by the rod ; " 
Jerdinius Tompkin alienated to Nathaniel rollington a 
tenement late Pardons and formerly Clarks. 1702, 
George Cryer surrenders to Thomas Browning and 
Oliver Mills a cottage on the South Common, on 
condition that if he pay them ^^at the South Porch of 
the parish church of Hailsham" £12 before March 25 
next the surrender shall be of no effect. 1703, Thomas 
Browning died, he devised to Sarah his daughter, aged 
10, a tenement with an orchard, late Pardons and before 
Clarks, to Susan his younger daughter 1^ acre of land 
called Cotton Rowe near Hailsham Common, and to 
Elizabeth his eldest daughter another 1| acre called 
the Comer Crofte on the Common, John Browning their 
uncle paid Relief for them. 1708, Richard Norton 
surrenders a cottage and garden on the Lane from 
Milton Hide to Hailsham Common, late of William 
Verrall his uncle, formerly Edboroughs and once Augers, 
for the use of John FunneU ; Richard Pettibone surrenders 
a **®blacksmith's forge, stable and land at Horsebridge 
to the use of John Pilcher of Hellingly. 1709, John 
Miller and Mary his wife, daughter of Richard Fennell, 
alienate to Anthony Trumble, gent., a messuage, stable, 
orchard and land, in the south part of the town of 
Hailsham. 1713, John Browning, three acres called 

*w The forge is still workmg. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 



257 



Butterwedges, late Thomas Brownings, formerly Renns 
and Thomas, and 20 acres called Hothlands, near 
Natewood in Hailsham, formerly Butchers and once 
FenneUs ; Licence to William Snatt to cut down one oak 
on the land of William Chapman, tenant of the manor, 
a minor. 

The Rent Roll of the Duke of Dorset from 1718 to 
1720, compiled by his steward, Mr. Medley, is printed 
in " S.A.C.," Vol. XXXIX., and includes the manor of 
Mitchelham : 

Rent Taxes 

Rent Due. Received. Allowed. 

Of the Baylift for the Rents of 
Assize of the s' Manner per ann. 
v^*' v^ for 2 years 10 10 8 10 10 110 

Of John Walker for the Capital 
Messuage and part of the 
demesnes p. ann cxL^^ for the like 280 241 39 

Of Walter Jeff ery vice Mepham for 
the Mill and part of the Demesnes 
p. Ann XXX* for the like 60 61 6 8 14 

Of M' Medley vice Boyes for other 
part thereof p. Ann x* for the 
like 20 17 3 

Of Henry Hasting vice Sansiim 
for other part thereof called the 
, Parkland p. Ann. xxiiij*** for the 
like 48 40 10 7 10 

Of Thomas Ade vice Sansum for 
other part thereof called the 
Fulling Mill p. Ann. xvj*** for 
the like 32 28 2 3 18 

Of Henry Hasting vice Sansum for 
other part thereof called GKxlhope 
p. Ann xiv»> for the like 28 24 2 3 18 

Of William Gosden for part thereof 
p. Ann. v»»> for the Uke 10 8 10 1 10 

Paid John Walker for Seizing a Heriot due to Manner of 

Michelham Park Gate on death of Eichard Foot 4" 0"* 

Paid Wm. Gosden wh. he paid for cutting of 40 cord of 
wood sold out of the Mill Wood at Michelham 1718-19 at 
xvi** p. cord — ^ij" xiij. iiij. More for making 3850 faggots 
at xxij** p. hundred iij. x. vij. More for dfeaving a cord 
of Stumblet wood iijV More for expenses when the wood 
and faggots were tailed v* j**. In all 6 12 

s 



258 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

More paid him for one years salary for looking after 

Michelham Woods, due at Mich. 1719 3 

More paid him for cutting 40 cord of wood sold out of the 
Bramble QroYe Wood at Michelham 1719-20 [and for 
making 3850 faggots, deaving Stumblet wood, and salaiy 
for 1720] 9 9 11 

We now return to the Court Rolls. 1719, Alexander 
Hicks died ; he held three parcels of land called Averys, 
containing eight acres adjoining the demesne lands of 
Otham Manor, late of John Meere, gent. 1732, Samuel 
Calverley, gent., was steward. 1739, two presentments 
are made; Thomas Elman has enclosed half an acre of 
the Waste belonging to the Lord of the Manor on the 
north-east portion of Hailsham Common, — ^let it be laid 
open on penalty of iOs. ; William Sargent and John 
Caly have dug up the soil on the south of the Common 
ana erected a Brick Kiln on the Lord's Waste, — ^let 
the kiln be removed under penalty of 40s. 1743, Spencer 
Earl of Wilmington held Merryfields in Hailsham, late 
Lumleys. 1756, John Fuller, Esq., held a messuage 
called JSoreship, late Doctor Thomas Fuller's. 

In 1852 the waste lands of the manor were enclosed, 
all freeholders receiving an allotment, in proportion to 
the value of their holding. With this date I bring my 
notice of the manor of Michelham Park Gate to a 
conclusion. 



FINIS. 



APPENDIX I. 



MARRIAGES, 1558—1600. 

1558. 

Bichard Ellyate and Elizabeth Packham 7 May. 

Thomas Death- and Alice Unsty, widow 10 July. 

Thomas Byshopp and Alice Hoad 16 July. 

Christopher Dicksone and Elizabeth Shepherde 14 Aug. 

Robert Bush and Annis Ackherst 28 Aug. 

Eichard Eolffe and Joane Baker 20 Oct. 

155f. 

William Eoster and Pamell Eede 21 Jan^. 

1559. 

Thomas Kyngswyll and Elizabeth Gower 28 May. 

Richard Kenchsly and Elizabeth Jurye 27 July. 

Thomas Stocke and Elizabeth Edwards, widow 21 Aug. 

John Marten and Annis Kenchslye, widow 1 Oct. 

Robert Collyer and Margaret Swayne 30 Oct. 

1560. 

William Kenchslye and Tomzyne Taylor, widow 26 May. 

William Bayes and Elizabeth Bromeham 16 June. 

Thomas Frytter and Margaret Harward 14 July. 

Amowld Harbart and MUdred Tharpe 29 July. 

William Dunstone and Margaret Wynter 22 Dec. 

156f 

Thomas Bodell and Alice Kenchsly 26 Jan^. 

Thomas Hunt and Catherine Smyth 17 FeV. 

1561. 

George Colboume and Annis Brandon 27 ^ril. 

Mathew Treglas and Alice Swane 4 May. 

Nicholas Foster and Annis Luck 9 June. 

John Motte and Annis Crowch 30 June. 

John Wyllard and Joane Hunt 7 Sept. 

Thomas Gardiner and Anne Roberts 18 Sept. 

Henry Foster and Margaret Barnden 2 Nov. 

Richard Waterhouse and Joane Tutt 16 Nov. 

John Randall and Dorothy Laude 23 Nov. 

Chrystoner Wygsell and Joan Gubbard 30 Nov. 

1562. 

William Foster and Annis MiUs 23 May. 

William RaynoUd and Joan Ghreene 18 Oct. 

Richard Rolffe and Mary Heglett 29 Oct. 

8 2 



260 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAM. 

1563. 

Thomas Bromeham and Dorothy Bolffe 23 May. 

James Bolffe and Joan Outsail 13 July. 

George Hyron and Annis Bystodde 27 Sept 

William Darrell and Alice Newall 6 Oct. 

John Pylcher and Joan WygsyU 7 Oct. 

Giles Tredcroste and Elynore feyrren 29 Oct. 

156}. 

William Oowper and Dennis Greene 13 Jan'. 

George Eolfe and Jane Garter 27 Jan'. 

John Dyne and Catherine Sale 6 FeV. 

1564. 

William Watsone and Pamell Fumes 30 April. 

Edmund Grenefyld and Alice Esterfyld 10 Aug. 

John Styler and Mary Kyrren 9 Oct. 

John Esterfyld and Annis Mydmoore 9 Oct. 

John Gardiner and Joan Gynner 20 Nov. 

156^. 

John Jackeman and Alice Hart 13 FeV. 

1565. 

Symon Gaskyne and PhiUipp Tysehurst 17 June. 

John Howell and Constance Snowe 1 July. 

Eobert Mylls and Dorothy Kenchslye 8 July. 

James Qtiskyne and Mary Braye 9 Aug. 

Thomas Carpenter and Mary Moore 21 Aug. 

John Allen and Maryan Harmer 23 Aug. 

George Cockshott and Joane Beche 16 Sept. 

Thomas Tjrrrell and Elizabeth Wickins 23 Sept. 

William Skynner and Joan Pryor 30 Sept. 

Eobert Chamber and Alice Grenefild 15 Oct. 

John Frytter and Elizabeth Rydelv 29 Nov. 

Garett Johnson and Ellyne Newall 3 Dec. 

John Rauffe and Jane Watson 17 Dec. 

1566. 

Anthony Caute and Elizabeth Standen 22 April. 

John Barnes and Elizabeth Newall 29 April. 

Chrystoner Wells and Mary Lingham 16 Sept. 

Thomas Fry and Anne French 3 Nov. 

Bichard Lymmys and Joane Jacksone 18 Nov. 

15^7. 

John Swane and Margaret Clemens 29 April. 

John Pylcher and Margaret Hart 13 Jmy. 

James Foxe and Margaret Cutberd 21 Sept. 

Eobert CoUyer and Joan Hemson 26 Oct. 

156J. 

John Symons and Annis Drew 18 Jan^. 

Leonaid. Becke and Margery Cobb 22 Jan^. 

Thomas Drew and Elizabeth Babbed 12 FeV. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 261 

1568. 

William Barden and Faith Foxe 2 May. 

Jolin Adams and Joan Twysden 30 May. 

Christoner Bo well and Annis Hyron 11 Oct. 

Hugh Wyneswjrth and Elizabetibi Tanner 11 Nov. 

1569. 

Edmund Quester and Betteris Tharpe 6 June. 

Allyne Wickins and Joan Esterfilde 20 June. 

Nicholas Thecher and Sara Marten 30 Sept. 

1570. 

Allen Wickins and Annis Bamden 2 July. 

Symon Tutt and Anne Hayward 16 July. 

John Putland and Elizabeth Bodell 26 Sept. 

John Lewes and Joan Beaden 2 Oct. 

Mathew Treglas and Jane Bodell 5 Nov. 

157?. 
Nicholas Motte and Mary Wells 11 Jan^. 

1571. 

Thomas Cosyne and Elizabeth Bodle 5 July. 

Ned Spynner and Alice Foxe 8 July. 

Anthony Harmer and Joan Mersall 15 July. 

John Ejiight and Joan Sage 3 Sept. 

Thomas Harmer and Margery Smyth 25 Nov. 

John Cantall and Jane Harmer 1 Dec. 

1572. 

Thomas Twysden and Phinis Bennett 6 July. 

John Motte and Elizabeth Swayne 11 Sept. 

Peter Wells and Margery Eolffe 21 Sept. 

1573. 

William Snayle and Elizabeth Esterfield 16 April. 

John Unyon and Annis Wyddett 25 April. 

William Funell and Helen Harmer 14 June. 

Henry Walcocke and Alice Mersall 20 June. 

Thomas Shoosmyth and Mary Wickins 16 July. 

Edmund Swane and Maiy Cosyn 6 Aug. 

John Putland and Elizabeth Cosyne 26 Aug. 

Robert Swane and Wynyfryth Hoade 21 Sept. 

Thomas Fuller and Joan Turle 24 Sept. 

Henry Hamlen and Constance Swane 12 Nov. 

1574. 
John Benn and Alice Gyllan 19 Apr. 

1575. 

John Bobins and Margery Moore 16 Jime. 

Thomas Kenchsly and Annis Marten 16 June. 

Nicholas Harmer and Joan Qynner 25 Sept. 

Nicholas Goodsone and Alice Ellis 27 Sept. 

John Goddins and Emlen Swane 16 Oct. 



262 1II8T0BY OF HAIL8HAJI. 

Henry Norton and Annis Fennell 17 Oct 

Leonard Eaynold and Marian Phillip 18 Nor. 

157f 

John Boniface and Tomsyne Collyar 15 Jan^. 

Simon Gaskyn and Jane Treglas 26 Jan^. 

John Berry and Annis Kencnaly 18 Feb^. 

1676. 

Bobert Sharpe and Margaret Lunsford 13 Sep. 

John Ferrell and Annis Hoade 14 Oct. 

ThomaA Bodell and Alice Chapman 21 Oct. 

157f 
George Skynner and Alice Gowper 

1577. 

John Bolf e and Avis Caulfild 6 May. 

Thomas Pyme and Joan Harmer 2 June. 

Thomas Tyrrell and Elizabeth Colvyll 20 June. 

Thomas Hoade and Elizabeth Marten 5 Aug. 

Simon Williams and Ursula Smyth 30 Not. 

1678. 

Laurance Swane and Dorothy Bandell 8 Sept. 

William Unstey and Annis Fraye 21 Sept. 

William Brayban and Jane EoUe 5 Oct. 

Robert Curtes and Annis Motte 28 Oct. 

James Newall and Alice Banister 29 Not. 

167f. 
Thomas Harmer and Mary Smyth 9 FeV. 

1679. 

Robert Standen and Constance Kenchsly 2 Aug. 

John Love and Elizabeth Terrell 12 Oct. 

George Willard and Parnell Garett 8 Not. 

John Earle and Magdalen Edwards 26 Jan^. 

Henry Sampton and Alice Ades 28 Jan^. 

Thomas Twysden and Alice Swane 28 Jan^. 

1680. 

John Mersall and Mercy Gloavre 23 April. 

John Wood and Joan Hollybone 3 May. 

Cawen Florence and Joan Seld 30 May. 

Thomas Thomtone and Parnell Fotte 30 May. 

John Nycholsone and Joan Dyne 13 June. 

Abraham Clistone and Constance Twisden 19 June. 

Fellex Willard and Joan Bowdell 25 Sept. 

John Luckson and Mary Dennett 3 Not. 

William Barnden and Margery Eobyns 26 Not. 

168a. 
Thomas Terlling and Mary Swane 30 Jan'. 



HISTOBY OF HAILSHAM. 263 

1581. 

Eichard Hamlyne and Joane Mott 6 ^r. 

John GK)war and Myldred White 26 May. 

Frances Gates and July an Hamellton 10 Aug. 

Nicholas Wh}i;e and Margery Bullard 19 Oct. 

Bichard Bevis and Annis Eucke 21 Nov. 

Thomas Waran and Margaret Pylche 25 Nov. 

Bobert Ellyate and Annis Colboume 25 Nov. 

1582. 

Bichard Austen and Anne Newall 26 April. 

Edward LuUam and Anne Sheppard 30 April. 

Bichard Dygbye and Elizabeth Collyngham 16 May. 

Humfrye Hussye and Emlen GK)ddyns 10 June. 

Jervis Austen and Austen {sic) 2 July. 

Mathew Colbome and Joan Hunt 9 July. 

Thomas Hog^es and Elizabeth Bussell 12 Aug. 

Amowld Han)art and Martha Swane 6 Oct. 

Bichard Bodell and Margaret Bobinson 16 Dec. 

1583. 

Abraham Cowper and Alice Vennell 4 May. 

John Thomcraste and Margaret Swane 17 June. 

Thomas Swane and Alice Weche 29 July. 

John Cruse and Constance Baker 5 Sept. 

Thomas Twysden and Bennett Carter 14 Oct. 

William Burgis and Joan Adams 18 Nov. 

158J. 

Allen Wickins and Alice Sampton 10 Feb^. 

1584. 

Thomas Fayerway and Susan Daltone 24 June. 

Lawrence Weecks and Katherin Beeding 5 Oct. 

Bobert Painter and Joan Hamlen 30 Oct. 

William Clark and Elizabeth Pylcher 15 Nov. 

John Woolfe and Agnes Ackers 23 Nov. 

158A. 

Clement Bevis and Dennis Cowper 10 Jan^. 

Nicholas Coppunt and Elizabeth Moore 8 Feb^. 

George Waterman and Annis Willard 23 Mar. 

1585. 

John Kyngswell and Joan Terrell 6 May. 

George Willard and Annis Moore 7 June. 

Thomas Bunting and Katherin GUham 10 June. 

Bamaba Turcke and Sara Bodell , 2 Aug. 

Thomas A'Brooke and Constance Widdett 8 Aug. 

Nicholas White and Alice Skynner 29 Aug. 

William Tyttye and A*Gates 21 Oct. 

Bobert Tutt and Joan Kyngswell 11 Nov. 



264 HISTOBY OF HAILSHAM. 

Ealffe Bullyn and Marffary Bamden 15 Nov. 

Nicholas Bodell and EUnor Stydell 21 Nov. 

158*. 

Thomas Benjamyne and Jane Tomsett 10 Jan^. 

John Baker and Brydgett Hesye 14 Feb^. 

1586. 

William Pollard and Alice Thomas 13 June. 

William Unstye and Phodbe Fayerway 14 June. 

John Hobbye and Katherin Bartholmew 23 June. 

William Taylor and Alice Dyne 24 July. 

Frances Heath and Catherine Drew 4 Sept. 

William Stowell and Joan Willard 11 Sept. 

Richard Parker and Elizabeth Virgo 28 Oct. 

(George Clements and Alice Drew 31 Oct. 

John Thomas and Margery Isted 24 Nov. 

1587. 

Mathew Tayllor and Joan Ackhurst 24 April. 

Thomas Warham and Elizabeth Clark 6 June. 

Abraham Esterfild and Myldered Swane 29 June. 

Nicholas Wilford and Annis Marshall 26 July. 

Peter Branche and Finis Glener 10 Aug. 

John Mychelbome and Annis Howell 2 Nov. 

William Hollands and Constance Bodell 16 Dec. 

158f 

Edmund Foster and Sara Fyerway 19 Feb^. 

1588. 

Hichard Harmer and Anne Underdowne 20 June. 

John Browning and Susan Marckwick 5 Aug. 

1589. 

George Thacher and Elizabeth Qoodgrove 12 May. 

John Grove and Constance Cockshott 3 July. 

Peter Tyllye and Brydgett Avenell 13 July. 

Amowld Bodell and Joan Gats 3 Oct. 

!«««• 

Emlen Fayerway and Thomas Pep 23 Jan^. 

1590. 

William Gates and Joan Gaskyne 3 May. 

John Eeynolds and Sara Mott 28 May. 

Sara Baker and Elyas Fayerway 7 June. 

William Cornoford and Margaret Wyneham 5 Nov. 

Thomas Woorger and Margaret Jackman 29 Nov. 

159f 

John Kenchsly and Joan Daniell 26 Jan^. 



HISTORY OF HAIUSHAM. 265 

1591. 

Thomas Dormsall and Katherin Woorgar 1 July. 

Abraham Esterfilde and Maiy Tealinff 2 Aug. 

Myles Hodgsone, Minister of the Wordof Gt>d, of Haylshame, 

and Fhillipp Futtenden, at Nettlested in Kent 6 Sept. 

Eichard White and Joan Bodell 9 Sept. 

John Kingswell and Elizabeth Bamder 13 Sept. 

John Andrewes and Mary Ponte 15 Sept. 

Steven Underdowne and Annis Berrye 16 Sept. 

Fellex Willard and Joan Russell 7 Oct. 

Thomas Skynner and Joan Woodsell 2 Nov. 

159^. 

Thomas Bodell and Alice Oarrett 1 FeV. 

Frances St. John and Widow Allman 15 Mar. 

1592. 
John Wood, p"^ of Chaunton, and Elizabeth Hayward .... 26 Sept. 

Kobert Amylls and Constance Kenchsly 11 Dec. 

James Emery and EUzabeth Ackerst 23 Dec. 

159|. 
Boger Hubberden and Annis {sic) 11 Jan^. 

1593. 

John Herryott and Tomzine (aic) 17 May. 

Hugh Franckwell and Margery Gollingame 9 July. 

John Feckman and Elizabeth Kyngswell 4 Oct. 

Abraham Snayle and Anne Styler 24 Dec. 

1594. 
Thomas Harwood and Susan Wenam 11 Aug. 

159f 

George Bachelor and Elizabeth Hamlen 13 Feb^. 

James Farterige and Joan Hamlen 17 FeV, 

1595. 

Thomas Prettye and Maiy Wekins 8 July. 

John Cockshott and Mary Goddins 6 Oct. 

1596. 

Edward Eandall and Mary Underdowne 19 April. 

John Grene and Mary Newenden 12 Sept. 

William Trapson and Joan Faineter 18 Oct. 

1597. 

James Lyngfild and Joan Foxe 6 June. 

Mylles Merricke and Frances Unwyne 3 Oct. 

159i. 

Thomas Woorger and Joan Fumifall 22 Jan^. 

Thomas Harmer and Katherin Tutt 23 Jan^. 



266 HISTORY OF HAIL8HAH. 

1598. 

William Hod^ken and Maiy Snow 8 May. 

Bichard Brysnwood and ChriBtabell French 9 JuLj. 

Edmund Kenchslye and Anne Langford 17 Aug. 

Edward Marten and Humylite Woodyer 9 Oct. 

1599. 

Edward Foot and Siball Eetene 9 July. 

Thomas IWe and Alice Foot, widow 9 Aug. 

Pattrick Femer and Margaret Hamblen, widow 21 Sept. 

Bichard A'lygh and Dorothy Dennet , 22 Nov. 

IgQfl 

xooo* 
William Mydlleton and Elizabeth Tuppen 17 Jan^. 



APPENDIX II. 



CONSENTS OF MARRIAGE, 1653—1658. 

M' John Lover of this parish, son of John Lover of 

Glynde, yeoman, and Suzanna Diplocke, daughter 

of Eobert Diplocke of this parish, yeoman 11 Dec., 1653. 

They were married at Haylsham, 27^ December, 
1653, by James Temple, Esq. 
Henry Coby, the elder, of this parish, gent., and M" 

Mary Elvered of Hooe, widow 23 Dec., 1653. 

They were married at Hooe, 31*^ January, 1653, 
by Mathaniell (sic) Studley, Esq. 
John Grevett of this parish, yeoman, and Jocme 

Marchant of Hellingly, widow 22 Jan., 1653. 

Not published third time, but were married by 
M' Eogers, minister of Chiddingly. 
Thomas Cleaver of this parish, husbondman, and 

Suzanna Dayes of this parish, daughter of Hester 

Dayes, widow 22 Jan., 1653. 

William Putland of Hellingly, tavlor, and Anne 

Mills, daughter of William Mills of Hellingly, 

Linkeeper 1 March, 1653. 

Christopher Lake of this parish, weaver, and 

Margaret Norten of this parish, widow 12 March, 1653. I 

Thomas Attwells of Heathfield, shoemaker, and 

Anne Baker of the same parish, widow 17 March, 1653. \ 

John Crowhurst of this parish, glover, and Katherine, 

daughter of Elizabeth Ea&ord of this parish, 

widow 21 May, 1654. 

William GK)ring of this parish, gunsmyth, son of 

William Goring of Lewes, and Anne Tutt of 

Fowington 28 May, 1654. 

John Fritter of this parish, husbondman, and Joane 

Bevis of Pevensey, daughter of Eichard Bevis of 

Fokengton 18 June, 1654. 

John Vine of Hellinglie, husbondman, and Mary 

Wood of the same parish 16 Aug., 1654. 

John Maynard of Eipe, yoman, and Elizabeth Parson 

of Waldron 23 Aug., 1654. 

Joseph Comford of Hellingly, taylor, and Joane, 

daughter of Edward Burnett of this parish 24 Sept., 1654. 

Abraham Upton of Arlington, husbondman, and Eave 

Botting of this parish, widow 1 Oct., 1654. 



268 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

Thomas Kealj of Heathfidd, yeoman, and Joane 

Crooih, widow of the same parish 18 April, 1 655. 

William Eoord of Fowington, husbondman, and 

Freegifb Hamblin of this parish 22 Apr., 1655. 

Francis Powell of Hellinglj, husbondman, and 

Elizabeth Kent of the same parish 2 May, 1655. 

John Crooth, husbondman, and Anne Fate, both of 

Hellinrfy 9 May, 1655. 

Nicholas Kogers of Hellingly, maulster, and Margery 

Bodle of this parish 20 June, 1655. 

Abraham Eightacre of Brenchley in Kent, weaver, 

and Jane Snickfeild of this parish 15 July, 1655. 

Walter Bevin and Bethia Huffgett, both of this parish 15 July, 1655. 
Joan Easton of Hellingly, husDondman, and Elizabeth 

Ourr of the same parish, widow 25 July, 1655. 

Bobert Marchant of Mayfield, husbondman, and Anne 

Morley of Buxted 1 Aug., 1655. 

Thomas Lonsley, husbondman, and Mary Tieehurst, 

both of Ashbomham 22 Aug., 1655. 

James Freind, husbondman, and Martha Kerrin, both 

of Brightling 29 Aug., 1655. 

John Whate of this parish, husbondman, and Joane 



Knight of Hellingly 2 Sep., 1655. 

William Henty of UeUin^ly, husbondman, and Sarah 

Heathfeild of Heathfield 5 Sep., 1655. 

Thomas Austen of Chalvinffton, husbondman, and 

Mary Fermor of this paridi 16 Sep., 1655. 

John Durrant of Hellingly, yoman, and Maiy Busf eild 

of Towne Mailing in Kent 19 Sep., 1655. 

Nathaniel Pankhurst of Hellingly, husbondman, and 

Elizabeth Eussell of Arlington 26 Sep., 1655. 

John Hosmer of Barcombe, tallow chandler, and 

Suzanna Wenham, of Hellin&^ly 26 Sep., 1655. 

Henry Woodcock of Seaford, gent., and Anne 

Oratwicke of the same parish, widow 17 Oct., 1655. 

Thomas Heaseman of Mayfield, husbondman, and 

Anne Jame of Dallington 17 Oct., 1655. 

Daniel Mugridge of Arlington, husbondman, and 

Elizabeth Hubberden of this parish, widow 21 Oct., 1655. 

Thomas Verral, laborer, and Mary Rowe, widow, both 

of this parish 21 Oct., 1655. 

Clement £ateman, mason, and Mary Kofe, both of 

Westham 31 Oct., 1655. 

John Iden, husbondman, and Elizabeth Thomas, both 

of Ashburnham 7 Nov., 1655. 

Thomas Akehurst, husbondman, and Elizabeth 

Wilkin, both of this parish 18 Nov., 1655. 

Thomas Moore, hujsbondmjm, and Jane Willard alias 

Moore of Waldron 12 Dec, 1655. 

William Wade of Hellingly, husbondman, and Mary 

Baker of this parish 2 Jan., 1656. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 269 

Nicholas Farelie of Framfield, husbondman, and 

Mary Turvill of Warbleton 9 Jan., 1656. 

William Hardham, husbondnian, and Jane Easton, 

widow 6FeV., 1656. 

Thomas Page of Wilington, husbondman, and Frances 

Cruttall of this parish 12 March, 1656. 

Edward Burnett, husbondman, and Joane lindfeild, 

widow, of this parish 16 March, 1656. 

William Harvey of Wartling, forgeman, and Jane 

Taylor of the same parish 19 March, 1656. 

John Palmer of Cliffe, neere Lewes, taylor, and Anne 

Newington of Chiddingly 19 March, 1656. 

I John Messenge of Burwash, forgeman, and Annie 

^ Elphick of Chiddingly 26 March, 1656. 

William Fawlmer of Wartling, gent., and Elizabeth 

Aniscombe of Mayfield 2 Apr., 1656. 

John Orowhurst, husbondman, and Mary Olidd, both 

of this parish 6 Apr., 1656. 

Thomas Beede, husbondman, and Dorothy Buckull, 

widow, both of Westham 16 Apr., 1656. 

Henry Knight, shearsman, and Jane Hover, both of 

Iffeild 21 May, 1666. 

Joseph Gomford of this parish, taylor, and Mary 

Hollands of Wartling, widow 25 May, 1656. 

Thomas Pankhurst of Heathfield, husbondman, and 

Joane Hills of Herstmonceux 28 May, 1656. 

Eichard Gates of this parish, husbondman, and Sarah 

Lowes of Arlington, widow 15 June, 1656. 

John Deane of this parish, husbondman, and Anne 

Duke of Selmiston, widow 15 June, 1656. 

John Willis, husbondman, and Elizabeth Breach, 

both of this parish 22 June, 1656. 

John Nabb of Herstmonceux, husbondman, and Anne 

Foorde of Chalvington 25 June, 1656. 

WilHam Mauser, husbondman, and Suzanna Wilding, 

both of this parish 25 June, 1656. 

[This intended marriage was excepted against 
by William Wilding, father of the said Suzanna 
WUding.] 
John Fowler of Hooe, yeoman, and Elizabeth Bomer 

of BatteU 23 July, 1656. 

James Nicholls, husbondman, and Elizabeth Steene 

of Eipe 23 July, 1656. 

George Pupp, husbondman, and Anne Hix, widow, 

both of this parish 3 Aug., 1656. 

Eichard Mitchell of Eotherfield, husbondman, and 

Alice Hunt of Mayfeild, widow 13 Aug., 1656. 

Samuel Mott of Herstmonceux, husbondman, and 

Elizabeth Midhurst of Ashbornham, widow 13 Aug., 1656. 

Isaac Midhurst of Friston, husbondman, and Jane 

Easton of this parish, widow 10 Sept., 1656. 



270 HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 

John Enight of Hellingly, husbondman, and Isabella 

Woodland of this parish 14 Sept., 1656. 

John Ticehurst of Ashbomham, husbondman, and 

Anne Hills of Botherfield 15 Oct., 1656. 

Bobert Duplocke of this parish, joman, and Oonstanoe 

Weston of Wadhurst, widow 26 Oct., 1656. 

[Married at Haylsham within the liBty. of 

Pevensey by Eob*. Petfeild, gent., one of the 

jurats of the said LiBiy., 18 December, 1656.1 

John Fankhurst, mason, and Alice Bewe, widow, of 

Mayfeild 14 Jan., 1657. 

John Hasselden, husbondman, and Francis BelUngs, 

both of Heathfield 14 Jan., 1657. 

George Piggott, husbondman, and Elizabeth Knowles, 

both of Wadhurst 21 Jan., 1657. 

Thomas Bull of Bishopston, husbondman, and Francis 

Mabb of Eastdene 28 Jan., 1657. 

William Funnell of Hellingly, husbondman, and 

Elizabeth Swift of this parish 4 Feb., 1657. 

Richard Hamier of Denton, husbondman, and Eliza- 
beth Snoe of Chiddingly 11 Maroh, 1657. 

Samuel Giles of this parish, mercer, and Elizabeth 

Winter of Hastings 29 Mar., 1657. 

John Chauntler of Laughton, yeoman, and Elizabeth 

Alchome of the same parish 1 Ap., 1657. 

Eichard Pilcher, husbondman, and Anne Baker, 

both of Battell 8 Ap., 1657. 

Benjamin Burdey, shoomaker, and Margaret Millam, 

both of Heathfield 22 Ap., 1657. 

|l James Smyth of Wartling, forgeman, and Anne 

Smyth of Heathfield, widow 29 Ap., 1657. 

Thomas Eoberts of Heathfield, husbondman, and 

Elizabeth Gower of Mayfield 20 May, 1657. 

John Weavers of Ripe, ats Eckington, husbondman, 

and Agnes Button of Laughton, widow 20 May, 1657. 

Thomas Wigg, yeoman, and Mary Foster, widow, 

both of Battel 20 May, 1657. 

Mark Pummay of Laughton, husbondman, and 

Judith Groebridge of Ripe, ats Eckington 27 May, 1657. 

Abraham Lulham, potter, and Margaret Dandy, both 

of Battel 10 June, 1657. 

James Dippery of Waldron, husbondman, and Mary 

Alvery of Westdeane 10 June, 1657. 

John Chapman, brickmaker, and Mathew (sic) 

Lulham, widow, both of Hellinffly 17 June, 1657. 

Thomas Kenward, shoomaker, ana Mary Graybome, 

widow, both of Maresfield 24 June, 1657. 

William Hamblin of Arlington, yoman, and Elizabeth 

Kenchly of this parish 24 June, 1657. 

William Stone of Lullington, husbondman, and 

Anne Piper of Denton 8 July, 1657. 



HISTORY OP HAILSHAM. 271 

John Dennis, fisherman, and Constance Baylej, both 

of Eastbome 15 July, 1657. 

Joseph Cruttenden, shoomaker, and Grace Glasjer, 

widow, both of Burwash 15 July, 1657. 

Richard Mills, miller, and Mary Luck, both of 

Mayfield 12 Aug., 1657. 

John Merscdl, husbondman, and Elizabeth Oordy, 

both of Ticehurst 12 Aug., 1657. 

Symon Latter of Kotherfield, ^' kemmer," and 

Elizabeth Miles of Mayfield 12 Aug., 1657. 

Thomas Boorman of Mayfield, husbondman, and 

Deborah Peirce of Norton 2 Sep., 1 657. 

Edmund Wakeland of Framfield, husbondman, and 

Anne Eogers of the same parish 9 Sep., 1657. 

Thomas Atherole of Chayley, ** sherman," and Anne 

Wood of Keymer, widow 23 Sep., 1657. 

John Wimarcke and Mary Simmons, widow, both of 

this parish 18 Oct., 1657. 

William Kneller of S' Thomas in the Cliffe, cloth- 
worker, and Elizabeth Wredon of Buxted 21 Oct., 1657. 

Thomas Henly, husbondman, and Joane Marten, 

both of HeUingly 28 Oct., 1657. 

Elias Alic, of Aldston, miller, and Elinor Bede, of 

Selmeston, widow 2 Dec, 1657. 

Thomas Frenche, husbondman, and Lucy Wilcocke, 

both of Warbleton 27 Jan., 1658. 

Eobert Barden, husbondman, and Ann Hoad, widow, 

both of Warbleton 27 Jan., 1658. 

Thomas Burt of Burwash, weaver, and Elizabeth 

Reade of Battell 3 Feb., 1658. 

Thomas Al^ate of Fowington, husbondman, and Jane 

Austen of Hayton, widow 24 Feb., 1658. 

Thomas Atwell, husbondman, and Elizabeth Drewe, 

widow, of this parish 24 Feb., 1658. 

[Forbidden after second time by said Elizabeth 
Drewe.] 
Samuel Awcock, husbondman, and Mary Dan of 

Battell 10 Mar., 1658. 

William Poole, yoman, and Elizabeth Oosden, widow, 

of this parish 28 Mar., 1658. 

William Funnell of Hellingly, sawyer, and Elizabeth 

Botting of Arlington, widow 7 Ap., 1858. 

Thomas Earle, yoman, and Maiy Acton, widow, both 

of Eipe 14 Ap., 1858. 

John Peirce of Eingmer, husbondman, and Elizabeth 

Waterman of Framfield, widow 14 Ap., 1658. 

Richard Lancke, husbondman, and Joane Wimble of 

Laughton 5 May, 1658. 

Thomas Hencoate, miller, and Maiy Jennings of this 

parish 4 July, 1658. 



272 mSTOEY OF hailsham. 

William Maynard, husbondman, and Anne Taylor, 

widow, of Eotherfield 28 July, 1658. 

David Moore of Warding, husbondman, and Ellinor 

Hart of this parish . , , 1 Aug., 1658. 

Jeremy Beede of this parish, yoman, and Jane White 

of Northyam 8 Aug., 1658. 

William Briant of Lewes, inneholder, and Maiy 

Hood of Blatchington , 25 Aug., 1658. 

David Russell of Lewes, turner, and Suzanna DevoU 

of Friston I Sep., 1658. 

Bichard Gkites, husbondman, and Ellinor Bates, 

widow, both of this parish 5 Sep., 1658. 

John Helden of BrightUng, gent., and Alice Foord 

of Binfcmer 15 Sep., 1658. 

Robert AJfrey, husbondman, and Mary Baker of this 

parish 19 Sep., 1658. 

John Bray, husbondman, and Anne Baynor, widow, 

both of this parish 22 Sep , 1658. 

John Famoombe of Itchingham, husbondman, and 

Sarah Beeching of Ticehurst *. . 22 Sep., 1658. 

Richard Wood of this parish, carpenter, and Dorothy 

Glid of Herstmonoeuz 26 Sep., 1658. 



ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA. 



P. 10, line 15, for " clerk to"- read '* clerk, to." 

P. 24, line 1 . — ^The vill of Hailsham was probably the part outside the 
Liberty of Pevensey. 

P. 25, line 11. — ^Robert Marmion's charter was granted about 1230, 
probably when he succeeded to the lordship of Berwick in 1227. 

P. 40.^-de Berewyk appears to have been the title of the bailiff of 
the vill of Hailsham (or Hailsham foreign), as de Endelenewick 
was of the bailiff of the Liberty. 

P. 60, line 1, for "sewing" read "sowing." 

P. 63. — The French Revolution was probably responsible for an 
imposing entry in the registers of 1806, the parents being probably 
refugees, viz., the baptism of " Philip Cato Henrv Charles Leander 
son of John Charles Baron de Glen and Ann Christiana Juliane 
Antoinette Baroness de Schmidt." 

P. 66, last line but one. — I find that I have unintentionally under- 
rated the energy of the Parish Council; the number of notice- 
boards erected is five. 

P. 72. — Bowley manor : c. 1300 Andrew de Saukeville held two and a 
half knights' fees in Chalvinton, Boggelegh and Bokherst— also 
two fees of the manor of Gevington, in Aumbefeld, Pamstreet, 
Otteham and Teliton ("8.A.C.," Vol. XLIII., p. 194). And in 
1316 Joan, late the wife of Andrew de Saukevifl, has livery of a 
third of the manor of Chalvintone, which is of the yearly value 
of £7. 38. Od., and a third of the manor of Boggele, which is of 
the yearly value of £9. Hs. 6d. (Cal. of Close Rolls, Edw. 11., 

Vol. n.). 

P. 113. — Upon further consideration I am inclined to think that the 
north door and the lower portion of the walls of the north aisle 
are part of the original twelfth century church. 

P. 117, last paragraph. — The Hooper bequest is now represented by 
£645 Consols; the school is also in receipt of the interest on a 
sum of £630 bequeathed by William Slye ; Charles Slye left £100 
towards the "clothing club." Horsfield states, in his "History," 
that there is a charity founded in 1786 by Edward Cruttenden 
consisting of £20 for the use of the poor, but of this I can find 
no other notice ; there are, however, frequent entries in the parish 
accounts from 1750 onwards of quarterly payments of £5 for the 
" charetable yous money." In this connection I may mention that 
there are three receipts for 1636—1638 of payments by the church- 
wardens of 88. 8d. each year "for charitable uses." 

Chapter IX. — The notices of previous and later benefices in Sussex 
held by Hailsham clergy are taken from Rev. G. Hennessy's 
" Chichester Diocese Clergy lists." 



274 HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 

P. 134. — In a deposition taken in 1663 " Oeo^e Clarke of Herat- 
monoeux, derk, affed 53," says that John '^nham " is lawfully 
minister of Hajisham, for Deponent with one M' Moore did on 
or about the 20^ day of November 1660 give him instituoon and 
induction" (Exch. Dep. by Com., 15* Chas. 11., Mich. 26). 

P. 136, line 11.— In the Supplement to the " Chichester Clergy Lists" 
Thomas Robinson Welch is given as Chancellor of the Diocese in 
1841. 

P. 166. — ^The land thus acquired by Walter de Pelham was probably 
sold by his son Thomas in 1318, in which year a writ was issued 
for the election of a coroner for Sussex, ** Thomas de Pelham 
having disqualified himself by alienating his lands in the countr 
after his election " (Cal. of Qose Bolls, Idw. 11., Vol. H.). 

P. 170, line 16, read " a chevron erminoisV 

P. 174. — How Dudington came into the hands of the family of de 
Dene is shown by the following charter, of the time of Stephen : 
'^I Hugh prior of S' Pancras rLewes) with the consent of our 
whole (£apter have made an excmange of the land of CnoUa (see 
note on page 80) and the land of Dudintona with Eobert de Dena, 
Sibilla his wife, and Balph his son and William Malfeth his heire. 
And because Dudintona is of less value we have given to them in 
addition the land of Horsia which William Mafieth gave to us 
when he was made a monk and the land of Lanherst which 
Seburg' gave to us for his obit, and 12^* in Buckenelia (Bowley?) 
and in the same Buckenelia 2' of land. Witness: Balph de Dena, 
William Malfeth, Eanulf de Cherlakestone, Bainald de Moret, 
Sichard de Lundedala, Hardinch, Eobert Francigena " (Hkrleian 
Charters. 44, F. 21). 

Page 178. — Another instance of Heocage in the neighbourhood occurs 
in (Egerton Charters, 387): Eobert de Cobeford quitclaims to the 
Abbey of Eobertsbridge '* the service of heckage of the castle of 
Pevenes which they used to do for me for the land called 
Eylbrihtesham which they hold of me in Walderne;" dated 1255. 

P. 179, line 8 from bottom, for "le la" read "de la." 

P. 180. — William de Marci and Ala his wife occur in a fine of 1197 
(Pipe Eoll Society, Vol. 20). 

P. 183. — Charters (46) and (47) are by GKlbert, the son of Edelina, 
(48) is by Gilbert, her grandson, the founder of Michelham Priory. 

P. 215, line 1, for "le" read "de." 

P. 217, line 3 from bottom, for "Lasey" read "Lascy." 

P. 222.— The Calendar of Patent Eolls for 9—11 Eic. 11., just issued, 
contains one or two entries relative to the Prior of Michelham : 
" 1385, Gbant that the Prior of Michelham, appointed by the 
King 8 July 3° Eic. II. to the custody of the alien priory of 
Wylmyngton at a certain yearly farm, and amoved therefrom bv 
the appointment thereto of James Berners, knight, on Oct. 6 last, 
that as John Pelham, William Haukeforde of Devon, John 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 275 

Brounesbury, Bicliard Spenser, and William Esteby of London 
have become mainpernors for his appearance before the Kind's 
Council at Westminster in the octaves of S' Hilary to answer the 
King and James Bemers, and that he will not remove any animals 
goods or chattels contained in an indenture one part whereof 
under his seal remains in the Exchequer, he may <uspo8e of all 
the goods of the priory which were his before Oct. G'^^last: granted 
upon his petition that he is distrained for his farm by summons 
of the Exchequer. 

''1386, Commission to Edward Dalyngrugg and others to 
enquire what goods are now in Wilmington prio^ which the 
King lately committed to Thomas (sic) prior of liUchelham to 
hold imder a certain farm, and what is their value. 

''In 1388, Commission of array to resist the imminent invasion 
of the French was granted to the Prior of Michelham, Edward 
Dalyngrig, William Fenes and Thomas Sakevyl, knighto, for the 
Eape of Pevensey." 



T 2 



GLOSSARY. 



ALLODimc : Freehold estate. 

Ambbb : A Saxon measure of salt. ' 

Baboit : A freeman of the Cinque Ports. 

Bbsoate : A measure of land, probably connected in some way with 

hesca = a spade. 
BoND-TENUBE : Oopyhold. 
BoBDABs: Ck)ttager8. 
BoBOUOH English : A customary descent of lands whereby they come 

to the youngest son; found much more extensively in Sussex than 

in any other county (see ** S. A.a," Vol. VI.). 
Oalefactobium : A room in a monastery containing a fire, where the 

monks were allowed to go and warm themselves in winter. 
Cabuoate : As much land as can be cultivated in a year with a single 

plough-team. 
OoBD : A pile of wood containing 128 cubic feet. 
Gobbobt: An allowance of food, &c., made by a monastery to one 

who IB not a member of their house. 
CoBVESEB : A shoemaker. 
CouBT Chbistian : An ecclesiastical court. 
Dbodand : A personal chattel which has been the immediate oocasion 

of the death of any person ; it was forfeited to the Crown to be 

applied to charitable uses. 
DoNGEON : The keep of a castle. 
Eybb : The circuit of an assize. 
FisH-WEELS : A snare for fish, constructed of twigs. 
Flete: a stream. 
Fbankalmoign : A tenure by which religious communities held land 

free of all service. 
Fbank-pledge, View of : Court-Leet, or the right of local jurisdiction. 
Haucote : The court of a manor. 
Hecgage: Seepage 178. 
Hebiot : A fine of the best beast payable to the lord of the manor on 

the decease of a tenant. 
Heybote : The right to cut wood for hedges or fences. 
Hide : A Saxon measure of land, said to be about 100 acres. 
HousBOTE : The right to cut wood for household purposes. 
Lawday : A Court-Leet, or view of frank-pledge. 
Mbbcy, In: Offenders put "in mercy ^^ were amerced at sums fixed 

by the jury, whereas the amount of the fi}ies was settled by the 

judges. 



HISTORY OF HAILSHAM. 277 

Month's Mind: A commemoratiye service held a month after the 

death of anyone. 
None : A service held at the ninth hour after sunrise. 
Obit : A service for the soul of one deceased held on the anniversary 

of his death ; also, money left for such services. 
Pannage : The right of pasturing swine in a wood. 
PiNNocK : A brick or wooden tunnel under a road to carry off the 

water. 
PoRKENGER : A Small metal bowl. 
PossENET : The same as a porringer. 
Procxtrage : Payment due from the parish priest to the bishop or 

archdeacon on the occasion of a visitation in lieu of lodging and 

entertainment. 
Belief : A payment made to the lord by a tenant on coming into 

possession. 
Eent of Assize : Freehold rents. 
Seam : A measure of eight bushels. 
Sext : A service, immediately following High Mass, at the sixth hour 

after sunrise. 
Slank : A declivity. 

Socage : Tenure by any definite service. 
SoLLAR : An upper chamber. 

Stallage : Payment for privilege of erecting a stall in a market. 
Tallage : Any subsidy due to the King. 
Tally : A squared rod of wood on which were made notches indicating 

the sum for which the tally was an acknowledgment ; the rod was 

then divided lon^tudinally, the creditor and debtor each retaining 

half,— corresponding to a cheque and its counterfoil. 
TouRN : A sheriff's court. 
Villein : A serf. 
ViRGATE : A measure of land varying from 15 to 40 acres in different 

counties ; it is here (p. 185) stated to be the 14th part of a knight's 

fee. 
Whittle : A white dress or cloak. 
Year's Mind : An anniversary service, c/. Obit. 



INDEX NOMINUM. 



Abergavenny, Lord, 91. 
Abemin, John de, 67. 
Abrichtesham, Ralph de, 185. 
Abrincis, Richard ae, 199. 

Judith de, 199. 
Acton, John, 193, 194, 195, 196. 

Mary, 271. 

Richaid, 193. 
Adam, 185. 

Daniel, son of , 1S4. 

Master, 24. 
Adams, 61. 

Joan, 263. 

John, 261. 

Richard, 85. 
Ade, Thomas, 257. 
Ades, 94. 

AUce, 262. 
Aelrichestun, Andrew de, 185. 

Richard de, 185. 
AffeneU [Avenel], see also Fennell. 

Bridget, 264. 

John, 159. 

Richard, 83. 

Simon, 29, 82, 83, 84, 90, 91, 
159, 245. 
Aghteman, Avery, 154, 171. 
Agoillon, Manasses, 174. 

Sir Richard, 24. 
Aires, Ann, 121. 
Akehurst [Ackers], Agues, 259, 263. 

Ann, 153, 194. 

Edward, 84, 93, 138, 139, 153. 

Elizabeth, 265. 

Joan; 264. 

John, 50, 85, 87, 153, 194. 

Nicholas, 82, 90, 153. 

Richard, 80, 153. 

Robert, 29, 80, 82, 153. 

Thomas, 120, 138, 139, 153, 
268. 

WiUiam, 146, 153. 
Akroyd, Samuel Fisher, 137. 
Alazd, Gervase, 218. 

Henry, 68, 218. 
Alberville, Robert de, 200. 
Alchome [Allchin], 38, 138. 

Annis, 138. 

Elizabeth, 270. 

John, 196. 

Maiy, 196. 
Aldeham, Francis de, 75, 205. 

Nicholaa de, 206. 
Alehurst, Simon, 170. 
Alfry [Alfrich], 3, 150, 154. 

George, 147. 



Alfry [Alfrich], James, 142. 

Robert, 144, 272. 

WilUam, 143. 
Algate, Thomas, 271. 
Alie [A'Lygh], EUas, 271. 

KencTily, 193. 

Richard, 266. 
Alin, Thomas, 216. 
Allen, John, 260. 

William, 147. 
Alman, Richard, 142. 

William, 208, 218. 
Alnod, 20, 77. 
Altihome, Nicholas de, 38. 
Altoft [Haltoft], Thomas, 76, 127, 156. 
Alveiy, Mary, 270. 
Alysaunder, William, 89, 126. 
Ambrose, VVilliam, 80. 
Amherst, Lord, 254. 
Amilton, see Milton. 
Amvlles, Robert, 265. 
Andrcwes, John, 265. 

Thomas, 230, 233, 234. 
Aniscombe, Elizabeth, 269. 
Angemere, Thomas de, 219. 
Anneys, Simon, 68. 
Ansfrid, 80. 
Ansgot, 72. 
Apsley, John, 69. 

Cordelia, 69. 
Appys, John, 234, 235. 
Aquila, Edelina de, 182, 183, 199, 274. 

Engenulf de, 183, 199. 

GeofErey de, 199. 

GUbert de, 22, 97, 179, 182, 
183, 198, 199, 201, 202, 203, 
209, 214, 220, 274. 

Isabella de, 199, 214. 

Judith de, 199. 

Juliana de, 199. 

Nicholas de, 199. 

Richer de, 22, 182, 183, 184, 
199. 

Richoereda de, 199. 

Robert de, 199^ 
Ardenne, Thomas de, 35. 
Arlfaigton, Vicar of, 127. 
Armitage, Mary, 72. 
Arundel, Earl of, 96, 219. 

Henry, 69, 252. 

Richard, 42, 208. 

William, 69, 251. 
Ashbumham, John, 110. 

Roger, 223. 
Asheson, Thomas, 194. 
Askew, John, 147. 



A8SHEMERT0N. [ 280 ] 



BEEDETT. 



Asshemerton, James de, 218. 
Aston, William Clifford, 137. 
AstTii, Robert, 125. 
Athexole, Thomas, 271. 
atte Berghe, John, 143. 

PhiHp, 142. 

•William, 187. 
atte Doune, see Doune. 
atte Mersh, Simon, 218. 
atte See, John, 145, 205. 
atte Stile, Giles, 218. 
atteWalle, Walter, 101. 

William, 101, 142. 
atte Welle [de fonte], Robert, 203. 

Thomas, 158, 267, 271. 
atte Werd, Richard, 170. 
atte Wood [A* Wood], see de Bosco, and 
Wood. 

Alice, 144. 

Edward, 154. 

Joan, 154, 188, 191. 

John, 154, 188, 191. 

Matthew, 144. 

Regugius, 202. 

Richard, 154. 

Thomas, 92, 142, 144, 153, 154, 
206. 

Walter, 143, 144. 

William, 92, 153, 154. 
Aubarte, Maurice, 87, 88. 
Aufrey, Nicholas, 167. 
Augur, 256. 

Augustine's, St., Abbot of, 224. 
Aumbraye, John, 207. 
Aurringeton, William de, 24. 
Austen, Edward, 94. 

Jane, 271. 

Jervis, 263. 

John, 94. 

Richard, 14, 263. 

Thomas, 268. 
Austman, John, 142, 143. 

Mark, 142. 

Simon, 142. 
Averey, John, 142, 154. 

Richard, 154. 

William, 170. 
Ayemel, John, 111. 
Awcock, Samuel, 271. 

Ba, Edmund de, 97. 
Bachelor, George, 265. 

John, 253. 
Badeleemere, Giles de, 74. 
Baker, Adam, 141. 

Ann, 267, 270. 

Bethia, 161. 

Constance, 263. 

Henry, 145, 188. 

Joan, 259. 

John, 84, 252, 264. 

Mary, 268, 272. 



Baker, Margaret, 255. 

Nicholas, 53, 54. 

Richard, 29, 107, 139. 

Sara, 264. 

Thomas, 111, 161. 

William, 223. 
Bakere, Alan le, 125. 

John le, 187. 
BaUard, 145. 
Bampton, Richard, 233. 
Banester, Alice, 262. 

Arthur, 236, 246. 
Barbar, Elizabeth, 132. 
Barclay, Capt. Allardyce, 11. 
Barcum, Gilbert de, 177. 
Barden, Robert, 271. 

William, 261. 
Barker, Alfred, 136. 
Bamden, 145. 

Annis, 261. 

Margaret, 259, 264. 

William, 262. 
Bamee, John, 260. 
Bartholmew, Catherine, 264. 

Thomas, 142. 
Barton, 147. 
Basset, John, 207. 
Bateman, Clement, 268. 
Bates, Eleanor, 272. 
Batelesford, Simon, 142. 

William, 125, 223. 
Bathee, John, 52, 107, 122, 139. 

Thomas, 194. 
Battle, Abbot of, 44, 92, 125, 246. 

— Laiuence, 71. 

— Thomas, 225. 
Baudefar, John de, 202. 

Hugh, 202. 
Bavingelehame, Thomas de, 214. 
Baxshall, 147. 
BayeB, William, 259. 
Bayham, Abbot of, 80, 92, 97, 127, 142, 
181, 187, 188, 192, 223, 230. 

John, 180. 

Laurence, 124. 

Richard, 99, 123, 236. 

Robert, 188. 

Thomas, 109. 

William, 226. 
Bayley, Constance, 271. 

Thomas, 54. 
Beaden, Joan, 261. 
Beartup, Richard, 255. 
Beckc, Leonard, 260. 
Beche, Joan, 260. 
Bede, Eleanor, 271. 
Bedford, Thomas, 139. 
Beech, John atte, 206. 

Simon atte, 141. 
Beeching, Sarah, 272. 
Beeding, Catherine, 263. 
Becdett, Edward, 189. 



BEKEWORTH. [ 281 ]' 



BRADE. 



Bekeworth, John de, 41. 
Bele, Richard, 80. 
Belevale, Ralph de, 184. 
Bellings, Frauces, 270. 
Belsant, Julian, 206. 
Benbiidge, William, 135. 
Beuden, 145. 
Benedict the Jew, 35. 
Benjamjne, Thomas, 264. 
Bcnnet, John, 139. 

Phinis, 261. 
Benton, James, 94. 
Bercaiius, Adam, 177. 

Robert, 174. 
Berde, Richard, 76. 
Berewyk, Gilbert de, 67, 167. 

Philip de, 40, 41. 

Robert de, 99, 141. 

Roesia de, 40. 

Simon de, 42. 
Berga, Benedict de, 214. 
Bemers, Sir James de, 222, 275. 

John de, 202. 
Bemette, atte [Bamet], Ann, 195. 

John, 142. 

Thomas, 195. 

William, 144. 
Bemeval, Simon, 229. 
Berrye, Annis, 265. 

John, 262. 
Bertelot, John, 142. 

William, 143, 144, 207. 
Bertram, John, 142. 
Bcrtjn, Alexander, 143. 

Henrj, 144. 

William, 141. 
BcBtinover, Thomas de, 177, 185, 
200. 

William de, 25. 
Bevin, Walter, 268. 
Beris, Clement, 26^3. 

Joane, 267. 

liichard, 263, 267. 
Bewe, Alice, 270. 
Bignall, Nicholas, 61. 
Birchen, Richard, 75. 
Bi.'jshopestone, John de, 95. 
Blakstok, Joan, 125. 

John, 92, 126. 

William, 125. 
Blatchington, Matthew, 213, 237. 

Robert de, 98, 100, 123, 202. 
Blonnham, John, 126. 
Blowere, Simon, 218. 
Bodle [Bothel], Abraham, 139, 156. 

Alan, 155. 

Arnold, 155, 264. 

Constance, 264. 

Edward, 30, 146, 155, 255. 

Elizabeth, 255, 261. 

Jane, 261. 

Joan, 262, 265. 



Bodle [Bothel], John, 28, 29, 53, 94, 138, 
139, 144, 147, 155, 156, 256. 

Justin, 155, 187. 

Margaret, 268. 

Michael, 155. 

Nicholas, 28, 29, 30, 138, 155, 
156, 264. 

Peter, 70, 255. 

Richaid, 156, 263. 

Sara, 29, 263. 

Thomas, 5, 28, 29, 53, 85, 138, 
139, 145, 155, 156, 252, 255, 
259, 262, 265. 

William, 28, 139, 144, 155. 
Bodington, Thomas de, 202. 
Bodly, Christopher, 54. 
Body, William, 146, 150. 
Bodyhame, John, 144. 
Boggelegh [Bugel], Alexander de, 75, 
141, 142. 

Bartholomew de, 141. 

Nicholas de, 141. 

Thomas, 224. 

William, 182. 
Bohun, Isabella de, 206. 
Bokholte, John de, 40, 41, 42, 82, 124, 
125. 

Mabel de, 41. 
Bolene, Henry, 142, 143. 

John, 142. 

Richard de, 141. 

Simon, 143. 
Boniface, John, 262. 
Bony eke, 145. 
Boorman, Thomas, 271. 
Bomer, Elizabeth, 269. 
Bosco, Remigius de, 24, 185, 200. 

Thomas de, 205. 

Walter de, 25. 
Boselin, William, son of, 184. 
Botevillayn, William, 200. 
Botting, Elizabeth, 271. 

Eve, 267. 

Francis, 94, 146, 255. 
Bottomley, Horatio, 254. 
Bovenye, Richard de, 216. 
Bowell, Christopher, 261. 
Box, Ralph, 152. 

Boxgrave, Prior of, Anchitel, 184. 
Boxley, Abbot of, Robert, 180. 
Boyes, Edward, 146, 257. 
Braban, William, 262. 
Brabanzon, Roger le, 200. 
Brade, Henry, 182. 

Martin, 181, 182. 

Nicholas, 103, 182. 

Ralph, 103, 181, 182, 183. 

Randulph, 24, 181, 182, 183, 
184, 185. 

Richard, 25, 181, 183. 

Rikeward, 103, 181, 182, 183. 

Wybert, 181, 183. 



BRAKLESUAM. [ 282 ] 



CARLTON. 



Braklesham, William de, 202. 
Brake, Thomas, 142. 
Blanche, Peter, 264. 
Brandon, Annie, 259. 
Brafiier, Edward, 146. 

Roger, 5. 
Bray, John, 79, 228, 272. 
Mary, 260. 
Simon, 82. 
Breach, Elizabeth, 269. 
Brereton, 145. 
Bret, Thomas, 155. 
Briant, William, 272. 
Bridge, Galfrid atte, 207. 
Brifitow, 60, 150. 
Ann, 118. 
John, 118, 147. 
Brocas, John, 208. 
Broggs, Ralph, 141. 
Broker, William, 224. 
Brokeshutt, Richard, 207. 
Bromham, Elizabeth, 259. 

Thomas, 260. 
Brooke [atte Broke], John, 29, 244, 246. 
Thomas, 93, 263. 
William, 76, 82. 
Brown, Edward, 120. 
John, 141, 146. 
Robert, 207. 
Browne, Sir Anthony, 251. 
Browning, Elizabeth, 256. 

John, 107, 148, 256, 264. 
Sarah, 256. 
Susan, 256. 

Thomas, 194, 256, 257. 
Brushwood, Richard, 139, 266. 
Bryan, Ferdinando, 146. 

Thomas, 109. 
Bryd, John, 42. 

Simon, 42. 
Bryrely, 145. 
Buckherst, Edmund, 138. 
Buckhurst, Lord. 71, 130, 131, 155, 251, 

252, 254. 
Buckland, Thomas, 129, 166, 168. 
Buckull, Dorothy, 269. 
Bugel, see Boggclegh. 
Buissun, Ralph, 174. 
Bull, Thomas, 270. 
Bullard, Margaret, 263. 
Bullond, Thomas, 129. 
Bullyn, Ralph, 264. 
Bimt, Robert, 174. 
Bunting, Thomas, 263. 
Burdey, Benjamin, 270. 
Burfleld, 16, 61. 

Burgess [Burgedse, le Burg*], Andrew, 
144. 
Eleanor, 107. 
Elizabeth, 139. 
Simon, 24, 200. 
Thomas, 107. 



Burgess [Burgedse, le Burg'], William, 

263. 
Bnrghershe, Herbert de, 185. 
Burghley, Lord, 26. 
Buma, Gilbert de, 178. 
Bumand, Robert, 185. 
Burnett, Edward, 267, 269. 

Joan, 267. 
Bursey [Bourcye], Reginald, 111, 129, 

130, 151. 
Burt, Thomas, 271. 
Burtenshaw, Henry, 13. 
Burgton, William de, 24. 
Burton, Joan, 202. 

John, 61. 

Thomas de, 202. 
Busfield, Mary, 268. 
Bush, Robert, 259. 
Buskheye, Simon, 142. 
BuBsebrygge, Robert, 234. 
Busshopp, Thomas, 106. 
Bust, John, 244. 
Busty, Thomas, 44. 
Butcher, John, 91. 
Butler, 147. 
Button, Agnes, 270. 
Bygg, Nicholas, 218. 
Byker, William, 142. 
Byngle, Thomas, 207. 
Bysshopp, Thomas, 259. 
Bystodde, Anuis, 260. 
Bystrete, Robert, 44. 

Cach, Richard, 165. 
Cade, Ann, 49. 

Jack, 43. 
Caffinch, Simon, 83. 
Cahaines, Gunnora de, 182. 

Richard de, 182. 

William de, 80, 179, 182, 183. 
Calverdon, WilUam de, 173, 175. 
Calverly, Edmund, 193. 

John, 150. 

Joseph, 72. 

Samuel, 258. 
Caly, John, 258. 
Oamerarius, Richard, 184. 
Cannon, Edward, 118. 

Martha, 118. 
Cantall, John, 261. 
Canterbury, Archbishop of, 98, 100, 

130, 209. 
Caperun, Richard, 202. 
Capmus the Jew, 35. 
Carder, 147. 
Cardyve, Ito, 128. 
Carek, Mary, 49. 
Carey, 147, 150. 

George, 59. 

J. D., 137. 
Ciiriloco, John de, 221. 
Carlton, John, 213. 



CARPENTER. 



[ 283 ] 



COLLIER. 



Carpenter, Eilwin, 177. 

GUbert, 174. 

John, 82, 142, 143. 

Simon, 223. 

Thomas, 260. 

William, 142. 
Carrell, John, 29, 51. 
Carter, Bennett, 263. 

Jane, 260. 

John, 209. 

WilUam, 209. 
Castell, Thomas atte, 41, 42, 124, 125, 

141. 
Cater, Martin, 237. 
Catherine, Queen, 196. 
Caukett, John, 139. 
Caulfleld, Avis, 262. 
Caimter, John Hobart, 136. 
Caunyill, Joan de, 209. 

Robert de, 209. 
Caute, Anthony, 260. 
Cavendish, Lord George, 2, 70, 72. 
Cay, Charles, 136. 
Cessingham, see Sessingham. 
Chadwick, 145. 
Chamber, Robert, 260. 
Chambre, Robert atte, 207. 

Thomas atte, 207. 
Chantler, Elizabeth, 70. 

John, 88, 270. 
Chapell, William, 128. 
Chapman, Alice, 262. 

Henry, 94. 

John, 270. 

William, 255, 257. 
Charles I., 52. 
Cheyney, 6. 

John, 76. 

Thomas, 76, 77. 
Chichester, Archdeacon of. 

Bishop of, 43, 99, 103, 125, 182, 
205, 211, 212, 221, 226, 247. 

Chancellor of, 203, 219. 

Dean of, 96, 202, 205, 208, 235, 
246, 247, 251. 

Earl of, 70. 
Chillye, Allured de, 184. 

Laurence de, 205. 
Richard de, 160. 
Cholmondeley, Richard Hugh, 197. 
Chyterigge, Robert, 143. 

William, 143. 
Clapson, Isaac, 12, 147. 
Clare, Bogo de, 100, 123. 
Claud, John de, 42. 
Clay, William James, 137. 
Clavregg, Alice, 208, 209. 
Cleaver, Thomas, 287. 
Clemens, George, 264. 

Margaret, 260. 
Clerck, Alan le, 154. 

Edith le, 154. 



aerck, Elys le, 170. 

John le, 99, 123. 

Ralph le, 174. 

Thomas le, 125. 
Clerk [Clarke], 145, 147. 

Elizabeth, 264. 

John, 146. 

Samuel, 70. 

Thomas, 72. 

William, 263. 
Cleves, Lady Ann of, 196, 251. 
Clifford, Thomas, 139, 146. 
Clintun, Reginald de, 184. 
Clistone, Abraham, 262. 
Clivie, Ailbricht, 182. 
Cloos, John, 235. 
Cnoke, Richard de, 185. 
Cnokedune [Nokdon], John, 174. 

Robert, 177. 

William, 174. 
Cobbe, Giles, 157. 

John, 156, 157. 

Margaret, 260. 

Nicholas, 157. 

WiUiam, 156. 
Cobeford, Adam de, 185. 

Robert de, 274. 
Cobv, Henry, 133, 134, 267. 
Cockshott, Alan, 80, 84, 91, 156, 244, 
245. 

Constance, 264. 

George, 260. 

John, 82, 156, 265. 

Richard, 139, 156. 

Thomas, 128, 139, 156. 
Cokesych, Richard, 142, 156. 
Coe, Lament, 49. 
Cogger [Coker], Catherine, 172. 

John, 125, 206. 

Peter, 90. 
Cokefeld, John de, 74. 
Colebrand, Mary, 107. 

Thomas, 10, 11, 139, 146! 147, 
157, 168, 255. 

William, 107, 147, 150, 157. 
Colbran, Matthew, 157. 

Rachel, 157. 
Colboume, Annis, 263 . 

George, 259. 

Matthew, 263. 
Cole, 152 
Coleman, 147. 

Richard, 154. 
Colgate, 150. 
Colingham, Elizabeth, 263. 

John, 245. 

Margaret, 265. 

Robert, 122, 139. 
ColUer [CollyarJ, John, 80, 138, 189. 

Robert, 259, 260. 

Thooias, 80. 

Tomzyne, 262. 



CX)LLYN. 



[284] 



DEA.KE. 



Ck)U3m» Isabella, 126. 

John, 144. 
CoIttII, Elizabeth, 262. 
Comber, 145. 
Combes, Edward, 169. 

John, 255. 

William, 255. 
Constable, Richard, 122, 136. 
Cooke, John, 144. 
Cooper [Cowper], Abraham, 146, 263. 

Alice, 262. 

David, 169. 

Dennis, 263. 

John. 146. 

Matthew, 177. 

Nicholas, 138. 

Richard le, 101. 

WUliam, 237, 260. 
Coppnnt, Nicholas, 263. 
Cordy, Eliasabeth, 271. 
Comeford, Joseph, 267, 269. 

William, 264. 
Comewaile, Guy, 45. 

Sir John, 45. 

William. 45. 
Cosyne, Elizabeth, 261. 

Mary, 261. 

Thomas, 261. 
Cotes, Charles Cecil, 197. 

Charles Grey, 197. 
Courthopp, John, 160. 

William, 195. 
Coury, Richard, 67. 
Couverer, Peter le, 177. 

Robert le, 177. 
Cowden, Richard, 93. 
Cowslev, Edward, 30. 
Cralle, James de, 68, 187. 

Robert de, 218. 
Cranebrook, Peter de, 23. 

Robert de, 23. 
Cranyld, Catherine, 215. 
Croker, 145. 
Crompe, Robert, 75. 
Cromwell, Thomas Lord, 68, 192, 247, 

250. 
Crooth, Joan, 268. 

John, 268. 
Croppc, Alan, 24, 157, 179. 

John, 142, 157, 158, 186. 

Robert, 158. 

Walter, 158, 187, 218. 

WQliam, 41, 142, 158, 170, 218. 
Crowch, Annis, 259. 

John, 212. 

Thomas, 94. 
Crowherst, 65. 

Catherine, 135. 

George, 93. 

Henry, 147, 150. 

John, 267, 269. 

Robert, 93- 



Crull, Richard, 39. 
Cruse, John, 263. 
CruttaU, Edward, 54. 

Frances, 269. 
Crute, Simon de, 162. 
Cruttenden, Jo^ph, 271. 
Crunden, John, 91. 

Richard. 87. 

Thomas, 91. 
Ciyer, Geoi^, 256. 
Crystemasse, Thomas, 141. 
Cuk, Adam le, 95. 

Richard le, 95. 
Culpepper, John, 223. 

Thomas, 69, 200, 251. 
Cumba, Richard de, 179. 
Cumbwell, Henry, prior of , 214. 

William, abbot of, 180. 
Cunningham, J. M., 11, 64. 
Curie, 59, 147. 
Curteville, Nicholas, 125. 
Curteys, Robert, 262. 

Simon, 218. 

Thomas, 126. 
Cutberd, Mazgaiet, 260. 

Dacre, Sir Thomas, 43. 

Lord, 6, 76, 77, 82, 90, 111, 
230, 231. 

— Gregory, 26. 

— Henry, 26. 

— Thomas, 236. 
Dallingridge, John, 205, 219. 

Edwaid, 275. 
Dalman, Walter. 
Dalrymple, Cordelia, 69. 

John, 69. 

John Apsley, 69. 
Daltone, Marmaduke, 80. 

Susan-, 263. 
Dalyngton, William, 126. 
Dan, Jasper, 150. 

Mary, 271. 
Dandy, Margaret, 270. 
Danmell, Joan, 264. 

John, 139. 
Darbye, 145. 

Michael, 120. 
Darrell, 193. 

Richard, 128, 129. 

Thomas, 248. 

William. 260. 
David's, St., Archdeacon of, 97, 128. 
Davy, John, 77. 
Daw, John, 41. 

Richard, 127. 
Dawes, George, 94. 
Dayes, Hester, 267. 

Suzanna, 267. 
Deane, Elizabeth, 134. 

John, 145, 160, 269. 

Robert, 83. 



DEANE. 



[ 285 ] 



ELPHICK. 



Deane, Roger, 83. 
Bearing, Thomas, 110. 
Death, Thomas, 259. 
de la Ware, Roger, 175. 

Lord, 197, 207, 247, 254. 

— ^ Thomas, 254. 
DelTe, John, 222. 

Richard, 44. 
Denam, Thomas, 83. 
Dene, Agatha de, 173, 175, 182. 

AHce de, 173, 175. 

Ralph de, 74, 157, 173, 174, 
175, 179, 183, 184, 274. 

Robert de, 173, 174, 175, 182, 
183, 274. 

Sibilla de, 173. 274. 

William de, 175. 
Dennet, Dorothy, 266. 

Mary, 262. 
Dennis, John, 271. 
Devenish [Denyssh], Jane, 81. 

John, 81, 127, 228, 234. 

Margaret, 81. 

Thomas, 110, 159, 172. 
DeToll, Susan, 272. 
Devonshire, Duke of, 197. 
Dicker, Philip atte, 141, 142. 
Dicksone, Christopher, 259. 
Dimmock, 157. 

Diplocke [Deeplacke, Duplock], John, 
194. 

Robert, 107, 133, 139, 193, 267, 
270. 

Suzanna, 133, 267. 
Dippery, James, 270. 
Ditton, Galfrid de, 185, 202. 

John, 177. 

William, 202. 
Diva, Boselin de, 184. 

Henry de, 177. 

Hugh de, 177, 178, 184. 

Ralph de, 184. 
Dobbys, John, 205. 

Thomas, 44, 75. 
Dobyll, Laurence, 228. 
Dodson, Samuel, 254. 

Sarah, 254. 
Dormsall, Thomas, 265. 
Dorset, Duke of, 254, 257. 

Earl of, 51, 53, 54, 69, 112, 134. 

Charles, 254. 

Edward, 53, 54, 92. 

Richard, 252. 
Doune [Dune], Alexander atte, 162. 

Cok atte, 170. 

Henry de la, 185. 

John atte, 67, 125, 207. 

Nicholas atte, 142. 

Richard de la, 67. 

Robert de la, 98. 

William atte, 25, 79, 80, 145, 
217. 



Dray, 3. 

Drewe [Drui], 158, 177. 

Alice, 264. 

Annis, 260. 

Catherine, 264. 

Elizabeth, 158, 271. 

Christopher, 83. 

John, 80, 158, 188. 

Robert, 158. 

Thomas, 44, 146, 158, 260. 
Dudingtou, Hugh de, 174, 176. 
Duke, Ann, 269. 
Duncke, John, 193, 194. 
Dunstone, William, 259. 
Dunsy, John, 205. 
Duppa, Brian, 132. 
Durrant, John, 134, 268. 
Dyer [Dyghere], William, 42, 124. 
Bygbye, Richard, 263. 
Dyke, Sir Thomas, 30. 
Dyne, Alice, 264. 

Joan, 262. 

John, 260. 

Eades, Alexander, 53. 

Edmund, 107, 139, 146, 255. 

Edward, 256. 

John, 53. 
Earle, John, 262. 

Thomas, 271. 

William, 54. 
Eastbourne, Fraternity of Jesus, 250. 

Fraternity of St. John, 83. 
East Hoathly, Rector of, 231. 
Ecclesia, Remigius de, 185. 
Echingham, Simon de, 184, 185, 206. 

Thomas de, 228. 

William de, 184, 217. 
Edborow, John, 139, 256. 
Edlow, 194. 
Edmund, John, 142. 
Edwards, Abraham, 28. 

Elizabeth, 259. 

John, 80. 

Magdalen, 262. 

Ralph, 83. 

William, 6, 90, 111. 
Edyng, William, 226, 228. 
Eightacre, Abraham, 268. 
Eldechirche, ace de Ecclesia and 'de 
Veteri Monasterio. 

Richard de, 218. 

William de, 218. 
Eleanor, Queen, 23, 67, 96, 187, 216. 
EUiott, Richard, 259. 

Robert, 263. 

Samuel, 256. 
Ellis, Alice, 261. 

John. 193. 
Elman, Thomas, 258. 
Elphick [Elphcge], Ann, 269. 

Charles, 108. 



ELPHICK. 



[ 286 ] 



FOSTER. 



Elphick, Edmund, 146. . 

Henry, 93. 

John, 93. 
ElTered, Mary, 267. 
Emeiy, James, 265. 
Endlenewyk, Philip de, 206. 

Thomas de, 33, 212. 

Walter de, 31. 
English, Dennis, 59. 

William, 147. 
Erche, GUbert, 165. 
Eroo, Simon, 142. 
Erridge, John, 146. 
Esquines, Ralph, 174. 
Esquitade, Rolande de, 174. 
Essetes, Richard de, 178. 
Eston [Easton, Estene], Jane, 194, 269. 

John, 268. 

Ralph, 178. 

Sibyl, 266. 
Esterfield, Abraham, 264, 265. 

AUce, 260. 

Elizabeth, 261. 

Joan, 261. 

John, 158, 159, 160, 260. 

Thomas, 159. 
Evelyn, Julia Annabella, 197. 

Julia Evelyn Medley Shuck- 
bnrgh, 197. 
Ereraid, Joan, 236. 

William, 236. 
Everley, William de. 212, 223. 
Ewrenden, Walter, 29. 
Exbridge, Thomas, 230. 

Facher, Richard, 80. 

Fader, John le, 46. 

Fagge, Sir Robert, 107. 112. 

Fakeham [Faukeham], John, 75, 92, 

Thomas de, 25. 
Falconarius, Robert, 185. 
Falkner [Fawkenor], Joan, 53. 

John, 83, 244, 249. 

Thomas, 53. 

William, 269. 
Farelie, Nicholas, 269. 
Famstrete, Thomas de, 174. 
Famcombe, Agnes, 49. 

Anne, 138. 

Elizabeth, 49. 

John, 49, 272. 

Matilda, 96. 

Thankful, 49, 138. 
Fayerway[Faimway], Elias, 52, 264. 

Phoebe, 261. 

Sarah, 264. 

Thomas, 263. 

WiUiam, 52, 91, 161. 
Fayrebank, George, 167. 
Felde, William de la, 217. 



Fennell, ue also Affenell. 

Annis, 262. 

James, 87, 88, 159. 

John, 159. 

Richard, 256. 

Simon, 159. 
Fenys [Fienles, Fynes], Sir Giles, 76, 
77, 247. 

Gregory, 6. 

Sir John, 26. 

Sir Roger, 43, 225, 228, 229. 

Sir Thomas, 76. 

Sir William, 77, 223, 275. 
Ferles, Master Gilbert de, 201. 
Fermer, Mary, 268. 
Ferrell, John, 262. 
Ferrers, Edward, 88. 
Ferrour, WUliam, 228. 
Feryng, Amfrid de, 215. 
Fielder, 3, 150. 
FiQery, Roger, 194. 
Finche, Herbert, 71. 

John, 93. 

Vincent, 71. 
Finkell, Thomas, 130. 
Fifihere, John le, 200. 

Richard le, 200. 
Fitness, 59. 
Fitz-Hugh, Sir Henry, 26. 

Sir WiUiam, 26. 
Fitz-Lambert, Walter, 95. 
Fitz-William, Hon. Charles W. Went- 

worth, 197. 
Flooer, Hugh de, 95. 
Florence, Gawen, 262. 
Flote, Thomas atte, 142. 
Foche, John, 228. 

Foljambe, Cecil George Savile, 197. 
Fokinton, Hugh de, 180. 

Reginald de, 180. 
Foote, Alice, 266. 

Ann, 268. 

Edward, 245, 246, 248, 266. 



GregoiT, 237. 
John, i55, r 



253, 256. 

Pamell, 262. 

Richard, 257. 
Forde, Alice, 230, 231, 272. 

Ann, 269. 

John, 231. 

Robert, 237. 

William, 268. 
Fordere, Thomas, 228. 
Forster, Robert, 244. 
Foster, Agnes, 129, 160. 

Alexander, 111. 

Edmund, 145, 160, 264. 

Elizabeth, 160. 

Henry, 259. 

James, 61. 

John, 2, 145, 160. 

Mary, 161, 168, 270. 



FOSTEB. 



[ 287 ] 



GILLET. 



Foster, Nicholas, 111, 160, 161, 168, 
259. 

Robert, 161. 

Stephen, 139, 161. 

Sozanna, 161. 

Thomas, 110, 160. 

WUliam, 259. 
FotuT, Richard, 75. 

Walter, 75. 
Foulride, Gervase de, 218. 
FoviUe, William de, 215. 
Fowler, Edward, 234, 235. 

John, 269. 

Robert, 94, 245. 

William, 224. 
Fox, Alice, 261. 

Faith, 261. 

James, 260. 

Joan, 265. 
Franklein, John, 23. 

Ralph, 175, 214. 
Frankwell, Hugh, 138, 265. 
Fraye, Annis, 262. 
Freeman, 148, 150. 

Robert, 94. 
Freind, James, 268. 
Frencham, 145. 
Frenche, Ann, 260. 

Christabel, 266. 

Elizabeth, 157. 

John, 53. 

Martha,. 107. 

Moses, 194. 

Stephen, 85, 107. 

Thomas, 107, 271. 
Frendesborj, Robert, 188. 
Frere, Gonstantine, 137. 

Thomas, 224. 
Frithe, Richard atte, 161, 207. 

Thomas atte, 161. 
Fritter, John, 260, 267. 

Thomas, 259. 
Fromond, Robert, 224. 
Prye, Edward, 139. 

John, 142, 143, 145, 161. 

Nicholas, 143, 161. 

Thomas, 145, 260. 
Fryer, Edward, 139. 
Fulham, Robert de, 125. 
Fnlker, 174. 
Fuller, 94, 148, 150. 

Edward, 235. 

John, 70, 196, 201, 233, 258. 

Richard, 94. 

Roger, 39. 

Thomas, 69, 146, 261. 

Dr. Thomas, 258. 

Walter, 235. 
FunneU, George, 139. 

Henry, 94. 

John, 256. 

William, 128, 261, 270, 271. 



Fumer, Patrick, 266. 
Fumes, Pamell, 260. 
Fumivall, Joan, 265. 
Fyndon, John de, 125. 
Fyssh, John, 228. 

Gage [Gaugi], Bridget, 51. 

Edward, 48, 51, 106, HI, 130. 

Frances, 30. 

Helias de, 200. 

James, 83, 109, 189. 

John, 26, 29, 73, 110. 

Sir John, 26, 27, 70, 169. 

Dame Mary, 30. 

Sir Thomas, 29, 30, 51, 84. 
Gallun, Robert de, 174. 
Garden, John, 144. 
Gardino, Robert de, 203. 
Gardner, John, 260. 

Ralph, 92, 177. 

Thomas, 259. 
Gare, Luke de la, 217. 

Richard de la, 200. 
Garlaund [de Garlondo], Henry, 95, 167. 
Garrett, Alice, 265. 

Pamell, 262. 

Richard, 172. 

Robert, 172. 

William, 219. 
Garslonde, John, 144. 
Gaskyne, Joan, 264. 

John, 59. 

Simon, 260, 262. 
Gates [A'Gates], Alice, 43. 

Frances, 263. 

Joan, 155, 264. 

John, 145. 

Richard, 269, 272. 

Thomas, 157. 

Waiiam, 220, 264. 
Gatton, Robert, 128. 
Geale, John, 201. 
Geering, Thomas, 60, 108, 163. 
Gent, John, 244. 
Gestling, Bertram de, 184. 
Gibbs, John, 14. 
Gibson, Arthur, 136. 

John, 136. 
Giffard, Osbert, 35. 
GQbert, 148. 

Charles, 189. 
Gilderidge, N., 230. 

Robert, 44, 245, 250. 

Thomas, 75. 

William, 76. 
GUes, Elizabeth, 161. 

John, 87. 

Robert, 80. 

Samuel, 139, 146, 161, 270. 

Tobias, 195. 
Gilham, Catherine, 263. 
Gillet, Eleanor, 87. 



GILLET. 



[ 288 ] 



HARDINCH. 



GiUet, William, 87. 
OisyUum, WiUiam de, 217. 
Qladwine, 174. 
Glasyer, Grace, 271. 
Glen, Baron de, 273. 
Glener, Finis, 264. 
GUdd, Dorothy, 272. 

Mary, 269. 
Gloavre, Mercy, 262. 
Glynley, John de, 218. 
Gobb, Simon, 142. 
Godard, William, 177. 
Godfrey, 77. 
Godficb, GUbert, 36. 
Godwyn [Godden], Edmund, 142. 

Emily, 263. 

John, 261. 

Mary, 265. 
GoflPe, Daniel, 139. 
Goldsmith, Joseph, 61. 

Richard, 148, 150. 
Goldyng, Richard, 99. 
Goodchild, Thomas Oliver, 195. 
Goodgrom, John, 142. 
Goodgrove, Elizabeth, 264. 
Goodsone, Nicholas, 261. 
Goodwell, Henry, 127, 128. 
Goodwin, William, 139. 
Goodyere, Robert, 128. 
Goringe, 151. 

WUliam, 53, 267. 
Gosden, Elizabeth, 271. 

William, 257. 
Gosefeud, Richard de, 97. 
Gk)8elade, 145. 
Gosselyn, Roger, 207, 208, 212. 

Thomas, 145. 
Goudrod, Walter, 142. 
Gower, Elizabeth, 259, 270. 

John, 148, 263. 
Grastock, Elizabeth, 121. 

Richard, 121, 146. 
Gratwick, Ann, 268. 

John, 94. 
Grava, Robert de, 39. 
Gravesend, William, 213. 
Graye, Richard, 94. 
Graybonie, Mary, 270. 
Greene, Dennis, 260. 

John, 28, 265. 

Joan, 259. 
Greenfield, Alice, 260. 

Edmund, 260. 

William, 94. 
Gregory, 145. 
Grent, John, 44. 
Grestein, Abbot of, 205. 

— Robert, 175. 
Grevett, John, 267. 
Grey, Elizabeth, 26. 

John, 26. 
Griffith, ap, 128. 



Griffith, John, 128. 

Grig, Alan, 127. 

Grifie, Matilda, 177. 

Grimaldi, Alexander Beaufort, 137. 

Gringoe, John, 146. 

Groebridge, Judith, 270. 

Grove, John, 264. 

Robert, 92. 
Groves, William Leach, 137. 
Gryer, Joseph, 255. 
Gubbard, Joan, 259. 
Gubbour, 82. 
Guldeford, Sir Edward, 29, 192. 

Henry de, 99. 
Gulafre, John, 200. 

Richard, 184. 

William, 178, 185. 
Gully, John, 65. 
Gunn, 29. 

Gunner, William, 146. 
Gunter, Thomas, 128. 

WUliam, 127. 
Gurr, Elizabeth, 268. 

John, 49, 138, 139. 

Muchmarcy, 49. 
Gussak, John, 126. 
Gutsall, Joan, 260. 
Guy, David, 151. 
Gwynne, J. E. A., 241, 254. 
Gyllan, Alice, 261. 
Gyngeld, Roger, 142. 
Gynner, Joan, 260, 261. 

Haifenden, Elizabeth, 84. 
Hakham, John, 142. 
Hall, Henry, 194. 
Halsham, John, 162. 
Hamblin, Elizabeth, 265. 

Freegifte, 50, 268. 

Henry, 261. 

Joan, 263, 265. 

Margaret, 266. 

Richard, 53, 138, 139, 146, 148, 
263. 

Robert, 50. 

William, 255, 270. 
Hamden, Gerard de, 35. 
Hamellton, Julian, 263. 
Hamerton, William, 126. 
Hammond, John, 144, 169. 

William, 169. 
Hanecok, Luke, 200. 
Hanek, John, 144. 
Hankham, Juliana de, 218. 
Hansard, Major Richard Masey, 63. 
Hapgood, 148. 

Harbart, Arnold, 155, 160, 161, 259,263. 
Harborrowe, Arnold, 29. 
Harcourt, Egcrton Vernon, 197. 

Octavius Vernon, 197. 
Hardham, William, 269. 
Hardinch, 274. 



XI ARM £B • 



[ 289 ] 



HODSON. 



Hanner, Agnes, 163. 

Anthony, 163, 261. 

Elizabeth, 163. 

Helen, 261. 

Jane, 261. 

Joan, 262. 

Marian, 260. 

Nicholas, 261. 

Richard, 5, 264, 270. 

Thomas, 128, 163, 261, 262, 265. 
Harold, Earl, 72. 
Harris, 61, 146. 

Thomas, 94. 
Harrison, Charles, 195. 

Launcelot, 30. 

Robert, 134. 
Hartnup, William, 162. 
Hart, iUice, 260. 

Eleanor, 272. 

Margaret, 260. 
Harvey, Francis Clyde, 14, 120, 137. 

George Gayton, 66, 117, 136. 

William, 269. 
Harris, Thomas, 6. 
Harwaid, Margaret, 259. 
Harwood, Thomas, 265. 
Haryot, Michael, 44, 75. 
Hassoham, Hugh de, 183. 
Hassok, John, 223. 
Hastings, 65, 151. 

Henry, 148, 257. 

Mathew de, 38. 

Prior of, 199, 223, 224. 
Hawkesbury, Lord, 197. 
Haye, John de la, 202, 217. 

Randulf de, 180. 
Haygarth, George, 135. 
Haylsham, Robert de, 162. 

Simon de, 186. 
Haylwaid, William, 141. 
Hayward, Anne, 261. 

Elizabeth, 265. 

MatUda, 144. 
Head, John, 135. 
Heaseman, Thomas, 268. 
Heathfleld, Sara, 268. 
Heath, John, 125. 
Hegginworth, Richard, 44. 
Heglett, Mary, 259. 
Height, Thomas, 139. 
Helden, John, 272. 
Helling, Nicholas de, 181, 183. 

Richard de, 103, 181, 182. 

Rikeward de, 181, 182, 183. 

William de, 183. 
Hellinglegh, Ralph de, 128. 

Richard de, 24. 

Simon de, 25. 
Hellingly, Vicar of, 127, 133. 
Hemson, Joan, 260. 
Hemstede, Simon de, 24, 215, 217. 

William de, 141. 



Hemsley, Edward, 94. 
Henbory, 65. 
Henooate, Thomas, 271. 
Hendeman, Thomas, j207. 
Henley, Peter de, 141. 

Thomas, 271. 
Henry, Robert, 210. 
Henseman, Nicholas, 139. 
Henty, William, 268. 
Heppehale, Adam de, 177. 

Eilwinde,*177. 
Herbert, Stephen, 133. 
Herbetyng, Idonea de, 77. 

Joan de, 77. 

Sara de, 77. 

Simon de, 77, 215. 
Hereward, Nicholas, 185. 

Richard, 208. 
Heringaud, Nicholas, 173. 
Hermershaye, Ralph de, 162. 
Herre, John le, 177. 
Herryot, John, 265. 
Herst, Walerand de, 184. 
Hertshome, Bertram de, 173, 175, 184. 
Heseldon, John, 270. 
Hesye, Bridget, 264. 
Heth, Frances, 264. 
Hicks, Alexander, 258. 

Ann, 269. 

John, 146, 195. 

Mortifie, 50. 

William, 151, 195. 

Walter, 151. 
Hideneye, John de, 184, 205. 

Richard de, 25, 184. 

Simon de, 170, 177, 187, 218. 

William de, 208. 
Hielder, John, 65. 
Higden, John, 109, 128. 
Hilder, James, 148. 

Thomas, 139. 

William, 113. 
Hills, Ann, 270. 

Joan, 269. 
Hoad, Alice, 259. 

Annls, 262, 271. 

Thomas, 262. 

Wynyfryth, 261. 
Hobbye, John, 264. 
Hodgken, William, 266. 
Hodgson, Bamaby, 111, 112, 131. 

Edward, 131. 

Goldsmith, 112. 

John, 131. 

Miles, 130, 131, 132, 165, 265. 

Martha, 131. 

PhiHppa, 131. 

Thomas, 131. 
Hodings, Gilbert de, 184. 

John de, 184. 

Turstan de, 184. 
Hodson, John, 120. 



HODYE. 



[ 290 ] 



JENKIN. 



Hodje, William, 139. 
Hogges, Thomas, 263. 
Hoke, Richard ate, 142. 
Hokeby [Hukby], John, 144. 

Thomafi, 128. 

William, 44, 144. 
Holbeme, John, 228, 230, 233, 234, 245. 

Simon, 245. 

Thomas, 236, 237, 238, 251. 
Holewiche, Nicholas de, 205. 
Holland, 146, 148. 

Mazy, 269. 

William, 264. 
Hollamby, John, 163. 
HoUybone, Joan, 262. 

John, 166. 
Holman, John, 255. 
Holmwood, Richard, 151. 

Robert, 151. 
Holt, Simon, 142. 

William, 143. 
Hompden, John, 94. 
Hony, John, 84, 85, 194. 
Hood, Mary, 272. 

Stephen, 53. 

Sozan, 53. 
Hooke, 146. 
Hooper, Elizabeth, 117, 121. 

Odiame, 117, 135. 

Thomas, 106, 112, 121, 135, 148. 
Hoppere, Robert le, 23. 

Matilda, 23. 

William, 166. 
Horewe, John, 154. 
Home, Joseph, 152. 

Walter de, 202. 
Horsenden, John de, 178. 

Richard de, 174. 

Robert de, 184. 
Horstede, Emma de, 185. 

Robert de, 200. 

Simon de, 202. 

William de, 184, 185. 
Horsye, John de, 99. 

Laurence de, 178, 184. 

Nicholas de, 22, 25, 79. 

Randolph do, 184. 
Hosmer, John, 268. 
Hothe, Simon de la, 101. 
Hover, Jane, 269. 
Howell, Annis, 264. 

John, 73, 80, 83, 191, 245, 260. 
Hewlett, Francis, 139. 
Hubbard, 146. 
Hubberden, Elizabeth, 139, 268. 

Richard, 265. 

Ursula, 139. 
Hubert, John, 141. 
Hubersty, Thomas, 118, 135. 
Hudson, John, 14. 
Huggett, Bethia, 268. 
Hull, WiUiam, 120, 121. 



Humphrey, John, 11, 139, 168. 

Michael, 139. 

Stephen, 52. 
Huneysett, Henry, 148. 

Samuel, 61. 
Hnngerford, Sir Thomas, 223. 

Sir Walter, 89. 
Hunte, Alice, 269. 

Joan, 259, 263. 

John, 139, 187, 204, 208. 

Thomas, 259. 
Hurdifi, 151. 
Honion, 65. 
Hurst, John, 207. 

Richard, 41, 207. 
Hus, Robert le, 214. 
Hussee [Hoee, Howse], Elizabeth, 193. 

Gerlon, 202. 

Henry, 142. 

Humfrey, 263. 

Osbert, 201. 

WiUiam, 75. 
Hyland, 255. 
Hyron, Annis, 261. 

George, 260. 

Icklesham, Hamo de, 173, 184. 

Ralph de, 173, 184. 

Robert de, 174, 184. 

SibyUade, 173. 
Iden, Alexander, 44. 

John, 268. 
Hleston, Thomas, 207. 
Inge, William, 67. 
Ingram, James, 30. 
Inskipp, George, 148. 

John, 148, 151. 

William, 59. 
Ipyngbury, 249. 
Ir^ggCf Thomas, 146. 
Isabella, Queen, 201. 
Isted, Margaret, 264. 
Ivehurst, Christiana de, 37. 
Iverykesham, John de, 23. 

Robert de, 23. 
Iweregge, John de, 209. 

Robert de, 146. 

Jackeman, John, 260. 

Margaret, 264. 
Jackson, Joan, 260. 
Jadewyne, Richard, 126. 
Jame, Ann, 268. 
James, Richard, 224. 

Thomas, 148. 

W. R., 137. 
Janett, John, 33. 
Jaudelet, William, 218. 
Jefferay, Ann, 58. 

Richani, 76. 77. 

Walter, 257. 
Jenkin, Thomas, 146. 



JENKINSON. [ 291 ] 



LESTER. 



Jenkinson, Charles Cecil Cope, 197* 
Jenner, James, 148. 

John, 148. 

Walter, 148. 
Jennings, John, 256. 

Mary, 256, 271. 
Jepson, George, 137. 
Joceline, the Chaplain, 185. 
Johnson, Garett, 260. 
Jones, 62. 

Herbert, 135. 
Joop, John, 207. 

Robert, 208. 

Thomas, 144. 
Jordajn, Thomas, 191. 
Joyes, William, 235. 
Joyner, Thomas, 110. 
Jurye, Elizabeth, 164, 259. 

John, 164. 

Richard, 164. 

Kanel, Alfred, 141. 
Karum, Wyghthard de, 22, 23. 
Kealy, Thomas, 268. 
Kechynham, John, 76. 

William, 76. 
Kelle, Joan de, 202. 

Michael de, 24. 
Kenchly [Kensley], Abraham, 85, 139, 
164, 165, 193, 195. 

Alice, 259. 

Annis, 164, 259, 262. 

Constance, 262, 265. 

Dorothy, 260. 

Eleanor, 163, 189. 

Elizabeth, 270. 

Edmund, 80, 163, 266. 

Henry, 156, 165. 

Joan, 164. 

John, 80, 138, 163, 164, 189, 
193, 264. 

Nicholas, 164. 

Richard, 7, 28, 30, 83, 91, 138, 
163, 164, 165, 259. 

Thomas, 80, 163, 172, 261. 

William. 80, 163, 164. 189, 191, 
192, 193, 195, 245, 259. 
Kene, Richard, 191. 
Kennet, James, 58. 
Kent, Elizabeth, 268. 

John, 195. 
Kenward, Thomas, 270. 
Kerrin [Kyrren], Eleanor, 260. 

Martha, 268. 

Mary, 260. 
Kercharme, Galfrid, 162. 
King, Henry, 148. 

Richard, 151, 191. 

William, 60, 113, 148. 
KingsweU, Elizabeth, 265. 

Joan, 263. 

John, 263, 265. 



KingsweU, Thomas, 259. 

Richard, 82. 

Robert, 142, 170. 
Kirby, John, 252. 
Kirksale, Richard, 80. 
Kitiey, Herbert, 137. 
Kneller, William, 271. 
Knieres, 148. 
Knight [Knyth], Edward, 139. 

Henry, 269. 

James, 255. 

Joan, 268. 

John, 44, 261, 270. 

Robert, 128. 

Thomas, 144. 
Knocke [Cnoke], Henry de la, 162. 

Mabel de la, 162. 

Richard de, 185. 

Simon de, 185. 

Thomas de la, 162. 
Knotte, John, 234, 235. 
Knowles, Elizabeth, 270. 

John, 231. 
Krawle, Richard, 146. 
Kychyn, John, 89. 
Kyrkeby, John de, 210. 

Lake, Christopher, 267. 
Lamb, 3, 151. 

Charles, 120. 

Richard, 148. 
Lambert, Samuel, 60. 

Stephen, 61. 
Lampa, Agnes de, 184. 

Hugh de, 184. 
Lancaster, Henry, Duke of, 74. 

Rocer, 128. 
Lancke, Richard, 271. 
Lanctry, 3. 
Lande, Dorothy, 259. 
Langford, Ann, 266. 
Lascy, John de, 217. 
Latter, Simon, 271. 
Laugham, 148, 151. 

Abraham, 119, 120. 

Ann, 119. 

Elizabeth, 120. 

Jane, 119. 
Launde, Adam, 23. 
Laurence, John, 224. 
Leaves, William, 70. 
Lebes, Isabel de, 184. 

William de, 184. 
Leem [de Leme], John, 211, 220. 

Thomas, 89, 220. 

William, 221. 
Leghton, Richard, 125. 
Leicester, Robert, Earl of, 26. 
Lenham, John, 146. 
Lester and Pack, 120. 

V 2 



LETHBRIDG. [ 292 ] 



MASON. 



Lethbridg, Thomas, 29. 
Letton, Guimora de, 203. 

Wimam de, 203. 
Leveland, Galfrid de, 31. 
Levett [livet], John, 74, 75, 144. 

Richaid, 75. 

Robert, 74. 
Lewere, Hugh, 218. 
Lewes, Archdeacon of, 43, 210, 226. 

Prior of, 44, 221, 236, 246, 247, 
274. 
Lewis, Ann, 153, 194. 

Hugh, 135. 

John, 261. 

Richard, 153, 194. 
Lewyne, John, 33, 142. 

Margaret, 33. 

Simon, 205, 217. 

William, 32, 143. 
Lessignan, Galfrid de, 31. 
Linderse, Matilda de, 185. 
LindfeUd, Joan, 269. 
Lingfeild, James, 265. 
Lingham, Mary, 260. 
LitUewate, John, 68, 142, 143. 

Juliana, 68. 

Simon, 68, 170, 187. 
Liverpool, Earl of, 71, 197. 
Lloyd, 117. 

Thomas Pryce, 197. 
Lomb, MatUda, 144. 
London, Alard, Archdeacon of, 175. 

William, 225. 226. 
Long, John, 142, 144. 

Nicholas le, 170, 205. 

Reginald, 143. 

Robert, 142. 

William le, 101. 

Doctor William, 11, 57. 
Longeley, George, 61. 

Thomas, 268. 
Lopdell, John, 255. 
Love, George M., 137. 

John, 262. 
Lover, Ann, 133, 134. 

Elizabeth, 134. 

John, 133, 267. 

Mary, l;i3. 

Suzanna, 133, 134. 

Thomas, 134. 
Lowes, Sarah, 269. 
Loxebech, Michael de, 74. 
Lucas, John, 51. 
Luck, Annis, 161, 259. 

Mary, 271. 

Richard, 245. 

Thomas, 237. 

William, 237. 
Luckson, John, 262. 
Lulham, Abraham, 270. 

Edward, 263. 

Mathew, 270. 



Lulham, William, 139, 156. 
Lumley, Sir James, 70. 

Thomas, 194. 
Lunsford, Margaret, 262. 

John, 72. 
Luxford, Ann, 119. 

Edward, 119. 

Frances, 119. 

George Ourteis, 66, 112. 

Jane, 119. 

John, 112, 119, 122. 

Mary, 119. 
Lymmys, Richard, 260. 
Lynd, John atte, 143. 
Lynds^, John, 195. 
Lyon, John, 142. 
Lyson, Richard, 29. 
Lytlyngton, Thomas, 205. 
Lyuet, see Levett. 

Mabb, Frances, 270. 

Preegift, 50. 
Mabely, Robert, 141. 
Machon, Thomas, 224. 
Mackay, Captain, 64. 
Makenade, William, 223. 
Mallyng, William, 226, 228. 
Man, ^cholas, 186. 
Manser, William, 269. 
Mantell, Martha, 168. 
Manzeye, Ralph de, 202. 

Robert de, 24, 200, 202, 214. 
Marchant, Joan, 267. 

Robert, 268. 
Marci, Ela de, 180, 274. 

Hamo de, 180. 

Isabel de, 184. 

Ralph de, 179. 

Robert de, 184. 

William de, 173, 180, 274. 
Markwicke, John, 160. 

Susan, 264. 
Marley, Edward, 226, 228, 229, 230, 233, 
234. 

Thomas, 230. 
Marmion, Amice, 26. 

John, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35. 

Sir Robert, 24, 153, 273. 

WilUam, 24, 25, 177. 
Marshall [Mareschall], Annis, 264. 

John, 82, 165. 

Robert, 165. 

Thomas, 165. 
Martin, 65, 149. 

Annis, 261. 

Edward, 266. 

Elizabeth, 262. 

Joan, 271. 

John, 259. 

Sara, 261. 
Mascall, Thomas, 146. 
Mason [Macon], Gerrad, 148. 



MASON. 



[ 293 ] 



MOTT. 



Mason [Maconl, Henry, 148. 

Nicholas le, 154. 

Miles, 144. 

Richard, 52. 

Robert, 180. 

William le, 23. 
Mass, William le, 166. 
Matthews, John, 149, 151. 

Samuel, 151. 
Mattock, Robert, 128. 
Maofe, Andrew, 205. 

Guy, 184. 

Peter, 184. 

Walerand, 200. 

William, 25, 74, 178, 179, 180, 
182, 183, 184, 209. 
Maunder, 146. 
Mawson, John, 195. 
Maxey, John, 118. 

Mary, 118. 
May, Elizabeth, 139. 

Richard, 107, 138, 139. 

Thomas, 139. 
Maynard, John, 267. 

Stephen, 44. 

William, 149, 272. 
Medley, George, 30, 149, 197. 

John, 196. 

Robert, 196, 

Thomas, Tl, 146, 196, 197, 254. 
Meeke, Thomas, 129, 189. 
Meeres, John, 85, 258. 

Thomas, 86. 
Megham [Miggeham], Alan de, 74. 

Benedict de, 74. 

liichard de, 177. 

William de, 41, 125, 141. 
Melker, John, 141, 142, 156. 

Thomas, 141, 142. 
Mepham, 257. 

Edward, 94. 

Richard, 53. 
Meriefeld, William de, 182. 
Merle, William de, 201. 
Merricke, 149. 

Miles, 265. 
Mersall [Mereshale], Alice, 261. 

Alphege de, 177. 

Joan, 261. 

John, 144, 165, 262, 271. 

Richard, 80. 

Robert, 144, 165. 

Walter de, 101, 165. 
Messenge, John, 269. 
Mestede, Philip, 208. 
Michelbome, John, 264. 
Michelgrove, Edward, 245, 251. 
Michelham, Prior of, 80, 84, 92, 93, 97, 
99, 127, 187, 188, 195, 252, 
275. 

Nicholas, 216. 

Peter, 214, 215. 



Michelham. Prior of, Roger, 214, 215, 
217. 

William, 216. 

see Holbeme, Leem, London, 
Marl^, ShelTestrode, West 
and Wynchelse. 
Middleton, Robert, 43. 

Thomas, 91. 

William, 266. 
Midhurst, Elizabeth, 269. 

Isaac, 269. 
Midmore, Annis, 260. 
Miles, Elizabeth, 271. 
Mill, John atte, 10, 52. 

Thomas atte, 208. 
Mille, William, 233, 234. 
Miller, John, 118, 146, 256. 

Mary, 256. 

Richard, 86, 139. 

Samuel, 61. 
Mills, Ann, 267. 

Annis, 259. 

Nathaniel, 29. 

Oliver, 146, 256. 

Richard, 76, 271. 

Robert, 260. 

Thomas, 160. 

William, 108, 267. 
Milium, Margaret, 270. 
Milton, Richard, 146. 

Thomas, 91. 

Ursula, 91. 

William, 190, 194. 
Mitchel, Richard, 269. 
Moderlac, Gormund de, 182. 
Molyn, John, 218. 
Moneth, Robert, 141. 
Monser, William, 75. 
Montacute, Agnes de, 203. 

William de, 203. 
Monte, Eustace de, 175. 
Moore, Annis, 263. 

David, 272. 

Elizabeth, 263. 

Jane, 268. 

Margaret, 261. 

Mary, 260. 
Mores, John, 248. 

Morfote, Alan, 230, 231, 234, 235, 237. 
Morley, Ann, 268. 

Elizabeth, 253. 

John, 253. 
Morgan, William, 136. 
Morping, William, 207. 
Mortaine, Earl of, 20, 72, 77, 175, 199. 
Mortymer, Stephen, 246. 
Mott, Annis, 262. 

Joan, 263. 

John, 259, 261. 

Nicholas, 261. 

Robert, 76, 237. 

Samuel, 269. 



MOTT. 



[ 294 ] 



PAYN. 



Mott, Sara, 264. 
Mountagaey Henry, 134, 135. 

Maiy, 135. 

Viacount, 251. 
MouBehunt, Ralph, 94. 
Mugridge, Daniel, 268. 

Bichard, 255. 
Mulahale, Maurice, 142. 
Munoeuz, John de, 209. 

Simon de, 214. 

Walerand de, 182. 

William de, 200. 
Mob, Robert le, 24, 37, 142. 

William le, 37, 166. 
Musket, John, 143. 

Simon, 142. 

Nabb, John, 269. 
Needham, Ann, 134. 

Sir Francis, 134. 
Norton, Henry, 262. 
Neyill, Laurence, 5. 
NeuBhaU, Nicholas, 142. 
Newall, Alice, 260. 

Ann, 263. 

Ellen, 260. 

Elizabeth, 260. 

James, 262. 
Newenden, Mary, 265. 
Newington, Ann, 269. 
Newman, 86, 87, 186. 

Elizabeth, 168. 

Walter, 175, 207. 

William, 151, 194. 
Newnham, alias Newton, Thomas, 86. 
Nicholas, John, 93, 245. 
NicoUs, James, 269. 
Nicolson, Humfrey, 169. 

John, 169, 262. 

Robert, 145. 
Noakes, 149. 
Nokden, see Cnokedune. 
Norberton, William de, 39. 
Norfolk, Thomas Duke of, 247. 
Norman, Job, son of, 185. 
Norten, Margaret,' 267. 

Richard, 256. 
Northampton, Earl of, 70. 
Northo, William de, 214. 
Northtoune, Benenger de, 218. 
Northya, Stephen de, 214. 
Norwood, Richard de, 25. 
Nutt, John, 69. 

Okeshott, Benjamin, 54. 
Okynden, John, 236, 245, 246. 
Oldfield, John, 129. 
Onsty [Unsty], Alice, 259. 

Elias, 29. 

Joan, 166. 

John, 80, 90, 165, 166. 

Nicholas, 166. 



Onsty [ITnsty], Thomas, 75, 165. 

William, 129, 166, 262, 264. 
Osbem, Bartholomew, 3, 60. 

Hannah, 57. 

John, 44, 142, 144. 

Richard, 80, 128. 

Simon, 142. 

Thomas, 144. 

Walter, 44, 143. 

William, 44, 80, 107, 142. 
Osborne, Elizabeth, 133. 

Nathaniel, 133. 

Samuel, 133. 

William, 133. 
Otham, Abbot of, Jordan, 179, 183, 186. 
Oxenbridge, Goddard, 76. 

Thomas, 76. 
Oxenford, John, 224. 
Oxley, James, 255. 

John, 146. 
Oylebuf, Richard, 182, 185. 

Packham, Elizabeth, 259. 
Page, Abel, 112. 

Andrew, 44. 

Dorothy, 112. 

John, 111, 112, 139. 

Richard, 92. 

Thomas, 269. 
Pagham, Richard de, 203. 
Painter, Edward, 139. 

Joan, 265. 

Robert, 263. 

WUliam, 138. 
Palema, Hugh de, 184. 

Osbert de, 184. 
Palmer, John, 269. 
Pankhurst [Pencost], John, 270. 

Nathaniel, 268. 

Thomas, 269. 
Pardon, John, 122, 139, 256. 
Parker [Parcher], Alexander, 245. 

Barbara, 94. 

Elias, 231, 233, 234. 

Gilbert, 177. 

Richard, 212, 264. 

Sir Thomas, 26. 
Parks, Alexander, 168. 

Stephen, 151. 
Parminter, Henry, 137. 
Parson, Elizabeth, 267. 
Partridge, James, 265. 
Passelegh, Robert de, 209. 
Pattenden, John, 151. 

Richard, 151. 
Patys, Thomas, 230. 
Paulyn, Henry, 68, 205. 
Pajm [Paine], Alice, 94. 

Edward, 194. 

Elizabeth, 194. 

John, 246. 

Nigel, 204. 



PEAKE. 



[ 295 ] 



RANNET. 



Peake. Ashbumham, 160. 
Peckham, John, 265. 
Peckham, Sir John, 33. 
Pedefer, William, 203. 
Peetereon, Robert, 88. 
Peir86 [Pearce, Pers], Ann, 62. 

"Anorgattelon,"62. 

Bridget, 1.59. 

Deborah, 271. 

Faithful, 50. 

George, 62. 

James, 159. 

John, 50, 271. 

Thomas, 145, 254. 
Pelham, Anthony, 249, 254. 

Edmund, 237. 

Henry, 70. 

Herbert, 253, 254. 

Joan, 253. 

John, 89, 223, 253, 275. 

Lord, 146, 149. 

Sir Nicholas, 70, 106. 

•*Sir," 189,237. 

Sir Thomas, 27, 247, 254, 274. 

Walter, 166, 274. 
PelHng, Peter, 149. 
Pep, TTiomas, 264. 
Perchynge, Simon, 154. 
Peryer, 228. 
Petelesden, 228. 
Peters, 151. 
Petfeild, Robert. 270. 
Petit, Thomas, 86. 
Pettibone, Richard, 256. 
Pevense, Richard de, 38, 170, 186. 

Simon de, 175. 
Peylpott, 146. 
Philippa, Queen, 26, 219. 
Phillip, Marian, 262. 
Piddlesden, Edward, 194. 

Peter, 201. 
Piggott, George, 270. 
Pilbeame, Richard, 255. 
PUcher, Elizabeth, 263. 

John, 256, 260. 

Richard, 270. 
Pimm, John, 194. 

Thomas, 86, 138, 262, 266. 
Pincema, Robert, 72, 173, 179. 
Pinnock, George, 136. 
Pinyon, 3. 
Piper, Ann, 270. 

Henry le, 215. 
Pitte, Robert at, 200. 
Plumer, Elizabeth, 120. . 

James, 120. 

John, 120. 

Richard, 120. 

Robert, 120. 
Pocock, George, 112, 136. 
Poleard, 152. 

William, 264. 



Pollington, Nathaniel, 256. 

Thomas, 146. 
Ponte, Mary, 265. 

Richard, 75. 

Richard de, 182. 

William, 76. 
Poole, William, 271. 
Pope, John, 76, 151. 
Porter, 194. 
Portland, Lord, 88. 
Portman, Hon. H. W. Berkeley, 197. 
Portreve, Simon, 142. 
Poteman, John, 76. 
Potter, John, 92, 93. 
Pouke, William, 186. 
Powell [Poyle], Francis, 268. 

Morgan, 45. 

William, 45. 
Praty, John, 226, 228. 
Prester, Nicholas, 5. 
Prettye, Thomas, 265. 
Prior, Joan, 260. 

Robert, 6. 
Profit, 29, 256. 

Richaid, 93. 
Prussia, King of, 73. 
Pryg, William, 218. 
Prymmyng, Alexander, 80. 
Pryse, John, 135. 
Pummay, Mark, 270. 
Puninges, Adam de, 174. 
Pupp, George, 146, 269. 
Purple, Henry, 139. 
Purseglove, 149. 
Putland, John, 149, 261. 

William, 267. 
Puttenden, Philippa, 131, 265. 
Pycombe, Walter, 226, 228. 
Pye, Simon, 142. 

Thomas, 218. 

WUliam, 142. 
Pyggeferle, Girard de, 202. 
Pyk, WUliam, 41. 
Pylche, Margaret, 263. 
Pynelyn, 146. 
Pynson, John, 145. 

Quester, Edmund, 261. 
Quik, 228. 

Rabbed, Elizabeth, 260. 
Radford, Elizabeth, 267. 

WilUam, 131. 
Radde, John, 188. 
Radmyle, John de, 205. 

Thomas de, 208. 
Ramder, Elizabeth, 265. 
Randall, Dorothy, 262. 

Edward, 265. 

John, 259. 

Robert, 246. 
I Rannet, John, 37. 



RATFORD. 



[ 296 ] 



ST. JOHN. 



Ratford, Thomas, 126. 

Beade [A*Bede, Keed], Elizabeth, 271. 

Hugh, 167. 

Jeremiah, 120, 139, 167, 272. 

John, 86, 90, 139, 149, 167. 

Pamell, 259. 

Robert, 94, 167. 

Thomas, 167, 269. 

William, 53, 80, 99, 139, 167. 
Reder, Henry, 80, 167. 

John, 82, 94, 144, 167, 168. 

Richard, 94. 

Thomas, 167. 

William, 94. 
Redediche, Alexander de la, 179. 

Thomas de, 177. 
Redeness, John, 45. 

Robert, 45. 
Redeswelle, John de, 209. 
Reeve, John, 142. 
Reimfre, Goteline, son of, 184. 

Jooeline, son of, 174. 

Roger, son of, 174. 
Remigius, John, son of, 23. 
Remyot, John, 185, 186. 

Richard, 185. 
Renn, John, 261. 

Philip, 155. 

Richard, 79. 
Reyner, Ann, 272. 
Reynolds, John, 61, 264. 

Leonard, 262. 

Simon, 142. 

William, 259. 
Ria, Vincent de, 184. 
Ricarville, William de, 184. 
Rich, Greorge, 61. 

Henry, 61. 
Richards, Mathew, 94. 
Richardson, Robert, 146, 255. 
Richer, John, 126. 
Rickman, Alexander, 73. 

Daniel, 2. 

Edwin, 61. 

Samuel, 73, 149. 
Rikethon, Richard, 141. 
Roads, Thomas, 151. 
Robert, John, 164. 
Roberts, Ann, 259. 

John, 253. 

Thomas, 270. 
Robertsbridge, Abbot of, 180, 181, 247. 
Robins, John, 261. 

Margaret, 262. 

Robert, 30. 
Robinson, Margaret, 263. 
Rochford, Lord, 192. 
Rogers, 267. 

Ann, 271. 

Nicholas, 268. 
Rolfe [RaufEe, Rowfe], Dorothy, 260. 

George, 260. 



Rolfe [Rauife, Rowfe], Jane, 262. 

John, 260, 262. 

Margaret, 261. 

Mazy, 268. 

Muchmercy, 94. 

Richard, 259. 
Romanale, Robert, 126. 
Roo, Robert, 145. 
Roos, William de, 74. 
Rootes, 83, 195. 

Alice, 26. 

George, 80. 

James, 51, 193. 

John, 26, 84, 90. 

Thomas, 6, 193. 
Roper, Thomas, 29. 
Roster, William, 259. 
Roust, Richard, 149. 

Robert, 255. 

William, 255. 
Rowe, Manr, 268. 
Royden, William, 28, 133. 
Rucke, Annis, 263. 

John, 120, 139. 
Ruddock, 194. 
Rufus, Adam, 182. 
Rug, Alfred le, 23. 
Rughteburgh, William de, 43. 
Runte, Baldwin, 177. 

Robert, 142. 
Runtington, Richard de, 70, 99. 
Russell, Alice, 37, 67. 

David, 272. 

Elizabeth, 263, 268. 

Joan, 265. 

John, 36, 37, 67, 195, 218. 

Lucy, 203, 204. 

Robert, 74, 75. 

Solomon, 36, 67. 

William, 203. 
Russia, Emperor of, 73. 
Rydelay, EUzabeth, 260. 

SackviUe [SaukvyU], Andrew, 141, 273. 

Ela de, 173, 179, 180. 

Galfrid de, 173, 174, 179, 184. 

Humfrey, 73, 90. 

John, 246. 

Jordan de, 173, 176, 180, 200. 

Richard, 5, 82, 83, 90, 106, 
247, 252. 

Robert, 253. 

Thomas, 69, 71, 207, 2.52, 275. 
Sage, Joan, 261. 

John, 82. 
St. Alban, Reinald de, 174. 

William de, 174. 
St. dare [Seyntcler], Joan, 212. 

John, 207. 

Sir Philip, 212. 

William, 213. 
St. John, Edward, 219. 



ST. JOHN. 



[ 297 ] SOUTHWARK. 



St. John, Frances, 2(>5. 

St. Leger, Galfrid, 157, 180. 

Sale, Catherine, 260. 

Salter, Simon, 177. 

Salvey, Kerby, 57. 

Sampson, Richard King, 60, 140. 

William, 151, 224, 226, 228. 
Sampton, Alice, 263. 

Henry, 262. 
Sander [Saunders], Agnes, 160. 

John, 44, 75. 

Margaret, 75. 

MatUda, 75. 

Robert, 75. 

Thomas, 160. 

William, 75. 
S€uid8, Anthony, 247. 
Sansum, 257. 
Sargent, William, 258. 
Sauvage, John le, 67. 
Savoy, Peter de, 22, 31. 
Sawbridge, 30. 
Sawyer, Thomas, 138. 
Say, Galfrid de, 42. 
Sayer, Margaret, 81. 

Robert, 81, 143. 
Scarlet, Benjamin, 87. 

William, 182. 
Schacklok, John, 142. 
Scherreve, James, 90. 
Scott, Luke, 170. 

William, 141. 
Seavenoakes, gee Sinnock. 
Seille, Agatha de, 173, 175. 

liucian de, 173, 175. 
Seld, Joan, 262. 
Selhershe, Shemaia, 51, 193. 
Sellington, William, 179. 
Selwyn, John, 7. 

Nicholas, 193. 

Thomas, 193, 253. 
Sessingham, Philip de, 125, 207, 208, 
224. 

Richard de, 212. 

Robert de, 183. 

William de, 179, 183, 184, 205, 
206, 219. 
Sewal, 174. 
Seye, John, 110, 111. 
Seyksall, Richard, 128. 
Sharp, John, 144. 

Robert, 262. 
SheUey, 149, 151. 

Benjamin, 12. 
Shelvestrode, William de, 219. 
Shepherd, Ann, 263. 

Elizabeth, 259. 

John, 142. 

William, 5, 90. 
Sheppard, Thomas, 112, 137. 
Sherman, John, 44. 
Sherwood, Frederick, 116, 117, 119. 



Sherwood, Medora Sophia, 119. 
Sherwyn, Abraham, 194. 

James, 194. 

Thomas, 194. 
Shoeswell, Roger, 76, 77. 
Shooemith, Thomas, 261. 
Shuckburgh, George Augustus, 197. 
Simon the Merchant, 39. 
Simmons, Hannah, 157. 

John, 260. 

Mary, 271. 

William, 61. 
Sinnock [Seavenoakes, Sennock], 
Colonel, 13. 

Henry Charles, 13. 

John, 96, 149. 

Nicholas, 10, 139, 146, 255. 
Skinner, Alice, 263. 

George, 262. 

Thomas, 265. 

WiUiam, 139, 260. 
Slater, Agnes, 163. 
Slye, Charles, 273. 

William, 13, 273. 
Smith [Smythe], Abigaile, 139. 

Ambrose, 253. 

Anthony, 253. 

Catherine, 259. 

Desire, 49, 132, 169. 

Elizabeth, 132, 169. 

Henry, 59, 80. 

James, 270. 

John, 133, 246. 

Margaret, 261. 

Mary, 262. 

Samuel, 61. 

Symond, 230. 

Ursula, 262. 

William, 255. 
Smythson, John, 83. 
Snatt, Mary, 57. 

William, 257. 
Snayle, Abraham, 265. 

William, 261. 
Snickfleld, Joan, 268. 
Snowe, Constance, 260. 

Elizabeth, 193, 270. 

George, 84, 167. 

James, 164, 193. 

John, 193. 

Mary, 266. 

Peter, 96, 167. 

Richard, 168. 

Robert, 129. 

Thomas, 28, 83, 138, 145, 167. 
Somer, John, 144. 
Sommenir, Richard le, 185. 

Thomas le, 39, 162. 
Sotharin, William, 95. 
Souter, Hawys le, 39. 

PhUip le, 39. 
Southwark, Archdeacon of, 98. 



8PAR0W. 



[ 298 ] THOMPSON. 



Sparow, Thomas, 80. 
Speg, 174. 
Spencer, John, 141. 

Richard, 208, 275. 

Robert, 70. 
Spioer, John, 207, 208, 209. 
Spigumel, Henry, 67. 
Spinner, John, 111. 

Ned, 261. 
Sprenham, Thomas de, 39. 
Stace, William, 205. 
Stafford, Laurence, 253. 
Stalmon, Henry, 52. 
Stambler, Richard, 142. 
Stanaker, Thomas, 230. 
Standen, Elizabeth, 260. 

Robert, 262. 
Stannener, 146. 
Stapley, John, 86. 

Richard, 76, 77. 

Thomas, 195. 
Steene, Elizabeth, 269. 
Stephenson, John, 129. 
Stephen, Stephen, son of, 185. 
Stephens, 149. 
Stevens, Thomas, 206. 

William, 12. 
Stocke, Thomas, 259. 
Stockle, 94. 
Stokes, Richard, 218. 
Stone, Desire, 49. 

Dorothy, 94. 

George, 49. 

W^iUiam, 52, 53, 270. 

Zealous, 49, 94. 
Stoneacre, Robert, 226, 228, 234. 
Stonestreet, Catherine, 168. 

George, 52. 

Henry, 168. 

Mary, 168. 

Nicholas, 11, 168, 169. 

Philippa, 168. 

Stephen, 168. 

William, 10, 11, 86, 161, 168, 
169. 
Stonhurst, Richard, 207, 208. 
Stonlegh, Robert, 143. 
Stowell, William, 264. 
Strickland, WilUam, 13, 20, 116. 
Strode, Sir (ieorge, 51, 69, 72, 86, 87, 88. 
Stroker, 256. 
Strutfield, 151. 
Stabler, 146. 
Studley, Nathaniel, 267. 
Stydell, Eleanor, 26-1. 
Styler, Ann, 265. 

John, 260. 
Sumner [Somner], Richard, 54. 

Stephen, 194, 195. 

W^iHiam, 86. 
Swaine, Alice, 259, 262. 

Con:*tance, 261. 



Swaine, Edmund, 261. 

Elias, 27, 28, 132, 139, 169. 

Elizabeth, 261. 

Emily, 261. 

John, 5, 169, 260. 

Laurence, 262. 

Margaret, 259, 263. 

Martha, 55, 263. 

Mary, 262. 

Mildrod, 264. 

Robert, 261. 

Thomas, 145, 169, 263. 
Swan, Hugh, 41. 

John, 189. 
Swift, Elizabeth, 270. 

Tanner, Edward, 149. 

Elizabeth, 261. 

Richard le, 41. 

Thomas, 141. 

William, 75. 
Tattersell, John, 146. 
Taylor, Ann, 272. 

James Thomas, 137. 

Jane, 269. 

John, 71. 

J. G. S., 71. 

Matthew, 264. 

Tomzyne, 2.59. 

William, 142, 264. 
Tealing, Mary, 265. 
Tedbrith, Robert, 38. 
Temple, James, 133, 267. 
Templo, William de, 100, 123. 
Terlling, Thomas, 262. 
Terrell, Elizabeth, 26*2. 

Joan, 263. 
Terry, Samuel, 61. 
Tester, 149. 
ITiarpe, Betteris, 261. 

Mildred, 259. 
Thatcher [Theccherl, Andrew, 44. 

George, 264. 

James, 111, 131, 193, 254. 

John, 29, 86, 106, 236. 

Laurence, 138. 

Nicholas, 261. 

Richard, 194, 195. 

Thomas, 236, 245. 
Theelond, William, 245. 
Thille, Allured de, 37. 
Thomas, Alice, 264. 

Elizabeth, 268. 

John, 83, 264. 

IVIorgnn, 69. 
Thomason, 70. 

Barbara, 86, 131. 

Elizabeth, 86, 131. 

Katherine, 169. 

Miles, 86, 131. 

AViUiam, 131. 
Thompson, John, 122, 135. 



TH0BNECRA8TE. [ 299 ] WANLINGBURGH. 



Thomecroste, John, 263. 
Thoniton, Thomas, 262. 
Thorpe, 11, 149. 
Threfil, Galfrid, 141. 

Thomas, 87, 88. 
Thunder, 146. 

Thomas, 209. 
Ticehurst, John, 270. 

Mary, 268. 

PhiUppa, 260. 
TindaU, Marv, 132, 157. 

Wilfiam, 139, 146. 
Toby, John, 44. 
Tochi, 80. 
Tomelyn, 146. 
Tomer, Leonard, 228. 
Tomkyn, Jerdinius, 256. 
Tomset, Jane, 264. 
Tonywell, Richard, 189. 
Toniano, Nicholas, 113. 
Tonne, Laurence de la, 99, 123. 
Trachard, Richard, 162. 
Trapel, John, 142. 

William, 142. 
Trapson, William, 265. 
Tredcroste, Giles, 260. 
Treheme, Morgan, 69. 

Morgan Dalrymple, 69, 71 . 
Treglas, Jane, 262. 

Matthew, 259, 261. 
Trumble, Anthony, 118, 146, 256. 
Trusseville, Reginald de, 182. 

William de, 182. 
Tuberel, Thomas, 141. 
Tunbridge, Prior of, John, 219. 
Tuppen, Elizabeth, 266. 
Turk, Bamaby, 263. 

Richard, 186. 
Turle, Joan, 261. 

Joan, 151. 

Thomas, 151. 
Tumham, Michael de, 174, 184. 

Robert de, 178, 180. 
Turner, John, 141. 

Richard, 44, 75. 
Turvill, Mary, 269. 
Tutt, Alexander, 90. 

Alice, 170. 

Ann, 267. 

Catherine, 265. 

Joan, 259. 

John, 70, 146, 166, 169, 170, 
255. 

Richard, 80, 145, 160, 169. 

Robert, 144, 263. 

Simon, 80, 261. 

Thomas, 149, 151. 
Twisden, Constance, 262. 

Joan, 261. 

John, 5. 

Richard, 171. 

Thomas, 145, 261, 262, 263. 



Twisele, Gerard de, 179. 
Twit, Abraham, 169. 

Alice, 75. 

Edward, 27, 28. 

John, 75, 111. 

Richard, 75. 

Robert, 74, 75, 111. 

Thomas, 75. 

William, 76. 
Tye, John de, 174. 

Thomas atte, 141. 
Tyllye, Peter, 264. 
Tyrel, Berenger, 214. 

Thomas, 260, 262. 
Tyttye, William, 263. 

Ulric, 174. 
Umfrey, John, 107. 
Underdowne, Ann, 264. 

Mary, 265. 

Stephen, 265. 
Underwood, W. J., 137. 
Unwyne, Francis, 265. 
Unyon, John, 261. 
Upton, Abraham, 267. 

John, 221. 

Richard, 213. 
Urlesbam, John de, 210. 

Vale, William, 228. 

Van Cortlandt, Colonel Philip, 13, 119. 

Vennell, Alice, 263. 

Verdun, Amice de, 175. 

Richard de, 175. 
Verges, Thomas, 128. 
Verrall, Thomas, 268. 

William, 256. 
Veteri Monasterio, Richard de, 217. 
Vine, John, 267. 
Vinys the Jew, 36. 
Virgo, 72. 

Elizabeth, 264. 
Vurgine, Thomas, 144. 
Vynch, John, 92. 

Wachn^an, 146. 
Wade, Edward, 84. 

T^urence, 5, 6. 

William, 80, 268. 
Wakeham, 146. 
Wakeland, Edmund, 271. 
Wakelyn, Matthew, 146, 255. 
Walaln, ITiomas, 213. 
Walcocke, Henry, 261. 
Waldis, Matthew de, 185. 
Walker, Henry, 150. 

John, 150, 152, 257. 
Wallere, 228. 

Wallwayn, Roger, 16'4, 189. 
Walwin, John, 133. 
Wanlingburgh, Robert de, 43, 207, 208. 



WANNEMERE. [ 300 ] 



WILLIAMS. 



Wannemere [Wanmer], John, 75, 76. 

Peter, 76, 141, 142, 

Richard, 75. 

Thomas, 44, 75, 76. 
Wannoc, (Jervaae de, 185. 

MatUda de, 185. 

8imon de, 125. 
Waran, Thomas, 263. 
Warberton, William de, 179. 
Ward, George W. Crofts, 137. 

Robert, 177. 
Waremuan, Margaret, 167. 
Waresdeane, John, 90. 
Wamesals, William, 141. 
Warrenne, Isabella de, 199, 214. 

John de, 214. 

WiUiam de, 77, 95, 174, 214. 
Warreyne, Henry, 213. 
Warwic, Hugh de, 175. 
Waterhouse, Edmund, 138. 

Luke, 54. 

Richard, 52, 259. 
Waterman, Elizabeth, 271. 

George, 263. 

John, 246. 
Waters, Samuel, 146. 
Watkins, Henry, 195. 
Wateon, Jane, 260. 

William, 260. 
Watte, 146. 
Weavers, John, 270. 
Webb, Richard, 126. 

Thomas Bonnell, 64, 118. 
Weekes, Alice, 263. 

Laurence, 263. 
Welch, Thomas Robinson, 136, 274. 
WelUand, Richard de, 182. 
Weller, Henry, 150, 152. 

Thomas, 87. 

William, 150, 151. 
Welling, Thomas, 52. 
Wells [Wellys], Christopher, 260. 

Mary, 261. 

Peter, 261. 

Richard, 52. 
Wenham, 150. 

Ann, 134. 

Elizabeth, 135. 

George, 135. 

Herbert, 94. 

John, 134, 135, 195, 274. 

Stephen, 94. 

Susan, 265, 268. 
West, Elizabeth, 254, 

John, 230, 231, 232, 234, 235. 
Westham, Churchwardens of, 247. 
Weston, Constance, 270. 

Richard, 223, 224. 

Thomas, 146. 

William, 128. 
Whate, John, 268. 
Wheatley, 70. 



White, Gervase, 24. 

Jane, 167, 272. 

John, 53, 54. 
Mabel, 79. 
Mildred, 263. 
Nicholas, 263. 
Richard, 265. 

Simon, 79. 
Whitfeld, Robert, 110. 
Whiting, Charles, 61. 
WhitmiU, 3. 
Whytyngton, John, 235. 
Wickenden, Thomas, 203. 

William, 246. 
Wickins, Allan, 261, 263. 

Elizabeth, 260. 

Mary, 261, 265. 
Wigg, Nicholas, 167. 

Roger, 215. 

Thomas, 270. 
Wigsell, Christopher, 259. 

Joan, 260. 
Wilcocke, Lucy, 271. 
Wilding, Suzanna, 269. 

William, 269. 
Wileb, Richard, 185. 
Wilendon, Hugh de, 185. 

Job de, 185. 

Richard de, 185. 
Wilesham, Adam de, 74. 

Alexander de, 74. 

Cecilia de, 74. 
Wilkins, Elizabeth, 268. 
Willard,Anii, 172. 

Aunis, 263. 

Catherine, 171. 

Christopher, 171. 

Felix, 172, 262, 265. 

George, 172, 262, 263. 

Harriet, 72. 

Henry, 172. 

Jane, 268. 

Joan, 172, 264. 

John, 80, 142, 144, 170, 171, 
172, 218, 259. 

Col. John Harry, 118. 

Laurence, 170. 

Nicholas, 30, 145, 171, 172. 

Piers, 170. 

Richard, 143, 171. 

Robert, 113, 129, 158, 171. 

Roger, 143, 171. 

Thomas, 30, 72, 144, 150, 171, 
172. 

Thomas Rogers, 172. 

WiUiam, 41, 142, 171. 
Willeford, Edward, 50. 

Nicholas, 264. 
Willingdon, Vicar of, 127. 
William, 20, 21, 72, 182. 

Richard, son of, 174. 
Williams, Simon, 262. 



WILLIS. 



[301] 



ZETLAND. 



WilliB, John, 269. 

Thomas, 235. 
Wilmington, Earl of, 70, 258. 

Prior of, 222. 
Wilson, WilUam, 128. 
Wiltoneshorst, John, 125. 
Wimble, Joan, 271. 

John, 145. 
Wimshurst, Gregory, 138. 
Winter, Ann, 194, 195. 

Elizabeth, 161, 270. 

Margaret, 259. 

Nicholas, 195. 

Bichaid, 194. 
Wiver, Wlfi, 174. 
Wlfric, 182. 
Wlward, 174. 
Woddier, Humility, 266. 
Wodeland, Isabella, 270. 

Randolph, 170. 
Wodesonese, William, 41, 124, 125. 
Wolsey, Cardinal, 109, 188, 192. 
Woodcock, Henry, 268. 
Woodgate, 28. 

Edmund, 71. 

John, 71. 

Katherine, 71. 

Peter, 71, 83, 193. 
Woodhams, Walter, 151, 195. 

William, 195. 
Woodman, Richard, 48. 
Woods [Wood], Ann, 271. 

Damans, 132. 

Deborah, 132. 

Henry, 150. 

Jacob, 30. 

John, 53, 57, 60, 139, 146, 150, 
157, 262, 265. 

Judith, 132. 

Mary, 267. 

Michael, 146. 

Richard, 12, 150, 151, 272. 

Thomas, 132. 



Woods [Wood], William, 146, 213. 
Woodsell, Joan, 265. 

John, 94. 
Woodward, WiUiam, 135. 
Woolfe, John, 263. 
Woorger, Catherine, 265. 

John, 12. 

Thomas, 264, 265. 
Worcester, William de, 213. 
Worthiall, John, 237. 
Wotton, William, 224. 
Wredon, Elizabeth, 271. 
Wright, John. 51. 
Wrotham, William de, 202. 
Wurthe, Emma de, 185. 

Ranulf de, 185. 
Wyberd, Robert, 144, 218. 
Wyddett [Wythoth], Annis, 261. 

Bartnolomew, 142. 

Constance, 263. 

John, 144, 188, 221. 

Juliana, 81. 

Richard, 80. 

Simon, 81, 93, 142, 143, 144. 
Wymarke, Henry, 193. 

John, 271. 
Wynam, Agnes, 154. 

Joan, 70. 

Margaret, 264. 

Matnda, 144. 

Nicholas, 70, 154, 158. 
Wynchelse, Laurence, 226, 228. 
Wynd, Simon, 142. 
Wynswyst, Hugh, 261. 

John, 245, 246. 

Thomas, 80, 191. 
Wythend, Stephen, 142. 

Yerdale, John, 224. 
Young, Mary, 256. 

William, 256. 

Zetland, Thomas, Earl of, 197. 



INDEX LOCORUM. 



Abbots Borough^ 6, 7. 

Abbots Wood, 94. 

AlciBton, 4, 21, 92, 93, 94, 206, 271. 

Aldrington, 126. 

AlfriBton, 45, 211, 212, 213, 244, 246, 

247, 251. 
Allendown, 6, 7. 
Ambefeld, 73, 174, 273. 
Ambelegh, 73, 93. 
Amberstone, 2, 4, 5, 6, 61, 64, 72, 73, 

90,91. 
Ambroees [Amberons], 73, 150, 164, 

256. 
Amfields, 149. 
Apuldram, 22. 
Aquila [Egle], Honor of, 22, 26, 31, 32, 

89, 91, 96, 166, 187, 205, 206, 

207, 209, 219, 222, 223, 225, 

253. 
Arlattfleld, 6. 
Arlington [Erlington], 5, 91, 127, 156, 

198, 202, 205, 207, 209, 215, 

217, 221, 244, 245, 267, 268, 

270. 
Arundel, 133. 

Ashbumham, 268, 269, 270. 
Ashdown Forest [Escetuue], 92, 131, 

166, 202, 204. 
Avenden (Kent), 162. 
Avereys [Alveries, Auferyes], 27, 28, 80, 

81, 84, 86, 95, lo9, 258. 

Bakehoosefleld, 250. 

Baldeslei Hundred, 74. 

Borcombe, 268. 

Bamaids Comer, 5, 6. 

Bomett [la Bemette], 79, 82, 84, 85, 92, 

150, 151, 156, 159. 
Bamehom, 125. 
Barracks, the, 12, 63. 
Bartletts Place, 70. 
BatUe, 65, 214, 269, 270, 271. 

Abbey, 68. 92, 207, 209, 214. 
Bayham [BeghamJ Abbey, 158, 178, 

180, 204, 207, 221, 2:i0, 234. 
Beachy Head [la BenuchieffJ, 223, 236. 
Bearflelds, 147, 148. 
Beasom, 151. 
Beckley, 117, 135. 
Beddinghams. 71, 80, 86, 87, 150. 
Beeches, 70, 84, 85. 
Bellbanks, 15, 60, 121. 
Bentons, 194. 

Bere, 70, 84, 101, 102, 150, 244, 250. 
Bergscroft, 194. 



Berwick, 4, 24, 26. 

Betts, the, 149, 169. 

Beverington, 91, 205. 

Bexhill [Bixle], 127, 209, 223. 

Bishopstone, 270. 

Blacklane, 245. 

Blackwell, 70, 151, 158. 

Blatchington, 272. 

Bodiam, 129. 

Bodle Street, 155. 

Bokholte, 82. 

Boltacre, 245. 

Boot House, 148. 

Boreship, 258. 

Bowley [Boghele], 4, 5, 6, 13, 51, 72, 

82, 182, 273, 274. 
Bowens Gutt, 5. 
Bouny Gutt, 6. 
Bowneys, 147. 
Brabome (Kent), 162. 
Bradbridge, 22. 

Bramble GroTe Wood, 250, 258. 
Brambleland, 85. 
Brayes Marsh, 86, 87, 150. 
Brayes Wish, 148. 
Brede, 76. 

Brenchley [Brenchesle], 200, 268. 
Bridgefield, 255. 
Brightling, 268, 272. 
Brighton, 202, 204, 207, 209, 215, 246, 

250, 251. 
Broad, the, 72, 181. 
Brockley (Kent), 179. 
Brodemersh, 244, 250. 
Brooke, the, 84, 101, 147. 
Broomeland, 156. 
Broughton, 246, 250, 251. 
Broyle, 199, 200. 
Brunts Comer, 5, 6. 
Buddes Groye, 111. 
Buddislond, 70. 
BuUocke, 156, 250. 
Bume, see Eastbourne. 
Burnt Laud, 2. 
Burton, 202. 
Burtons Grove, 111. 
Burwash, 188, 269, 271. 
Busheyfield, 2, 7, 72. 
Buskheye, 93, 141, 144, 149. 
Butterwedges, 150, 256. 
Buzted, 196, 268, 271. 
Byrchedown, 75, 245. 

Cacklebury, 4, 17, 18. 61. 
Caffluches [Chafinches], 86, 151. 



CALDEBUEGH. [ 303 ] 



FLETYE. 



CaldebuTgb, see Coolbrook. 

Canes, 94. 

Cane Heath, 200. 

Capstocks, 151. 

C^penters, 83, 86, 151, 169. 

Carters Comer, 2. 

Chailey, 271. 

Chalvington [Chaunton], 157, 265, 268, 

Chandlers, 151. 

Chappie Lands, 71. 

Charleston, 21. 

Chawland, 28. 

Chenenolle, 80. 

Cherry Croft, 59, 194. 

Chesehouse Marsh, 151, 250. 

Chichester Cathedral, 127, 166, 171. 

Chiddingly, 164, 172, 235, 255, 267, 269, 

270. 
Chilleye, 71, 150. 
Chilleys Garden, 76. 
Chlntlng, 201, iU, 216, 236, 246, 250, 

251. 
Cinque Ports, 79, 143, 144. 
Cliffe, 120, 269, 271. 
Clone, 223. 
CnoUe, 80, 274. 
Cocke, 159. 
Coldthom, 147. 
CoUaids, 27, 28, 29. 
CoUingcroft, 194. 
Collinghagg, 82, 86. 
Collinghams, 147, 150. 
Collins Gutt, 70. 
Collyars Gutt, 87. 
Common, Hailsham, 10, 12, 29, 60, 61, 

63, 65, 156, 172, 255, 256, 258. 
Connemersh, 204. 
Coneyburrows, 196. 
Coolbrook, 6, 7, 185, 206, 246, 253. 
Coolsgate, 6, 7, 70. 
Cop Hall, 73, 179. 
Coppards, 147. 

Cone, la [Currey], 71, 204, 245. 
Cotteu Row, 28, 256. 
Cowbrooks, 28. 

Cowden, 203, 246, 247, 250, 252. 
Cowfields, 51, 250. 
Cowfold, 136. 

CraUe [Crawley], 6, 85, 153. 
Cranbrooke, 70, 134, 169. 
Crokeme, 168, 245, 250. 
Croker Row, 29. 
Crowborough, 137. 
Crowchers, 27, 28, 29, 167. 
Crowherst, 179. 
" Crown," the, 11, 168, 169. 
Cuckmere, 7, 198, 200. 
Cuckfield, 165. 
Cutts Crofts, 7, 85, 193. 

Dallington, 268. 



Deadlands, 28, 149, 156. 

Deanes, the, 51, 111, 148, 149. 

Denton, 270. 

Dess's 255 

Devenish Wish, 71, 84, 86, 87. 

Dicker, 93, 183, 198, 199, 200, 247, 253, 

254, 255, 256. 
Dill [Thill] Hundred, 1, 31, 35, 44, 91, 

92, 143, 144, 158, 160, 167, 

201, 225. 
Dinesland, 8^), 194. 
Dirtys, 72, 150. 
Ditchling, 84. 
Ditton, 184, 202, 245, 250. 
Dobbishmarsh, 151, 167, 245, 250. 
Doubles Land, 148. 
Downash [la Doune], 4, 7, 15, 51, 67, 

68, 69, 71, 72, 82, 83, 84, 85, 

86, 123, 148, 151, 156, 167, 

204, 244, 250, 251. 
Dowlland, 159. 
Dudington [Daddingtons], 51, 164, 174, 

176, 186, 191, 194, 274. 
Dunce, Great and Little, 205. 
Dunsings, 92, 93, 95. 
Dustys, 71, 85. 

Eastbourne [Bume], 12, 23, 37, 48, 72, 
83, 127, 128, 130, 177, 178, 
187, 207, 223, 236, 246, 250, 
271. 

East Dean, 136, 175, 270. 

East Grinstead, 86, 133, 219. 

East Guldeford, 135. 

East Hoathly, 164. 

East Marsh, 110, 112, 151. 

Echingham, 272. 

Egglesdon, 204. 

Eldecourte, 208. 

Endlenewick, 32, 73. 144. 

Ersham, 4, 5, 18, 23, 28, 29, 82, 84, 89, 
119, 172. 

Esceham, 183. 

Escetune, 166. 

Eton College, 109. 

Ewhurst Tongue, 70. 

Exceit. 175. 

Eylbrihtesham, 274. 

Fackham Marsh, 27, 28, 29, 70, 167. 

Fair Place, 187, 255. 

Famestrete [Vamstreate], 6, 176, 179, 

189, 193, 194, 273. 
Fellonds [Vellonds], 80, 247, 250. 
Felmerland, 111. 
Fennells, 86. 
Filching, 159. 
Firle, 84, 99. 
Fishcroft, 76. 
Fletching, 95, 133, 211, 212, 228, 244, 

247, 251. 
Fletye, the, 71, 85, 185. 



**FLEUB DE LY8." [ 304 ] HOPE LANDS. 



" Fleur de Lye," the, 10. 
FlexboToogh [Fexbrewe] Hundred, 91, 

201, 247. 
Flodgate, 246. 
Folkmgton, 51, 135, 137, 164, 205, 206, 

216, 247, 267, 268, 271. 
Footers, 151. 
Foterflete, 83, 24, 244. 
Fordington (Dorset), 254. 
FouMde, 220. 
Foxes, the, 87. 
Fox Hall, 2. 
Franks Marsh, 156. 
Frant, 128, 163. 
Framfleld, 122, 269. 271. 
Friston, 126, 235, 269, 272. 
Frye, the, 87. 
Fytherycroft, 74. 

Gardners Land, 5, 6. 

Gardner Street. 20. 61. 

Garretts, the. 14, 61, 110, 112. 

Gawygrove, 250. 

"George." the, 14. 

Gilridge Wood, 2. 

Gilridge Farm, 7, 147. 

Glenleigh [Glynly, Greenly], 3, 17, 71, 

80, 85, 87, 88. 
Glynde, 133, 169. 267. 
Godhope [Gordhoppe, Goldup], 6, 7, 

250, 2t)tm 
Godyng, 223. 
Grormans Wood, 61. 
Gk>o8emersh, 87. 
Gosecroft, 93. 
Goslings, 70. 
Gotham, 4, 6, 76. 
Goudhurst, 139. 
Greenfield Marsh, 149. 
Greggeslond, 203. 
**Grenadier,"the, 12, 63. 
Grenelonde, 5. 
Grenestreete, 84. 
Greseland, 111. 
Gretebromefcld, 92. 
Grete Otham, 188, 191. 
Grovebridge, 5, 6, 8. 
Grovefleld, 110. 
Grovelands, 28, 29, 96, 167. 
Grymes, 80. 

Guldenesaltkote, the, 184. 
Gumiton, 204. 

Hailsham [Eylesham, Helsham], 1-172 
passim, 175, 185. 186, 199, 201, 
205, 206, 209, 221, 244, 254. 

Manor, 4, 22 {see Ersham). 

Market, 6, 9, 31, 33, 34. 

Church, 4, 22, 80, 99, 100, 105, 
106, 108, 113, 153, 159, 164, 
165, 168, 171, 172, 189, 192, 
200, 256. 



Hake, the, 5, 6, 91, 196. 

Hale, the, 27, 28, 30, 148, 169. 

Hallond, 76. 

Hamelesham, 20. 

Hamm Land, 5, 6, 166. 

Hankham, 29, 96, 218. 

HanweU, 236. 

Harbaken Land, 29. 

Harebeating. 2, 4, 12, 15, 21, 61, 77, 95, 

111, 256. 
Harmcre, 162. 
Harmer«hay, 149, 162, 244. 
Hartfield, 73, 90, 92, 168, 203, 246. 
Harwards Marsh, 110, 112. 
Haalesse, 21. 
Hastingland, 27, 28, 30. 
Hastings, 79, 161, 170, 270. 
College, 95. 

Priory, 81, 95, 210, 223, 224. 
Hawkwood. 2, 91, 148. 
Hawkes Green, 5, 6, 149. 
Hawthyland Wood, 15. 
Hease, 93. 
Heathfield, 6, 44, 48, 129, 133, 267, 268, 

269, 270. 
Hedge Grove, 166. 
Heighton, 271. 
Heldheven, 101. 
Hellingly, 5, 8, 48, 60, 61, 81, 144, 149. 

153, 178, 181, 207, 209, 223, 

225, 244, 267, 268, 270, 271. 
Church, 81, 100, 103, 115, 127, 

182, 183. 
Hempstead [Hemstede], 2, 7, 12, 92. 

Prebend, 93. 
Henhaid, 30. 

Hephale [Eppehalle], 80. 183, 189, 194. 
Herstmonceux, 5, 45, 76, 168, 256, 269, 

272, 274. 
Hertham, 184. 
Heseldon, 202, 204. 
Heyland Marsh, 88. 
Hide of Milton, the, 17, 91, 198, 200, 

256. 
Highfield, 6. 
Highlands, 7, 221. 
High WaUands, 6, 7, 246, 250. 
High Street, the, 6, 10, 52, 153. 
Hodieland, 90. 
Hogbroke, 28, 29, 250. 
Hokgate, 5, 6. 
Holbume HUl, 147, 255. 
Holewyche, 203, 204, 246, 247, 252. 
Holmemarsh, 150, 250. 
Holmestalls Marsh, 6, 7, 51, 151. 
Homestreu Hundred, 77. 
Honey Crocks, 3. 
Hooe, 65, 113, 135, 267, 269. 
Hooks, the, 28, 70. 
Hop Garden Wood, 2. 
Hopperslond, 206. 
Hope lands, 71 . 



H0B8EBRIDGE. [ 305 ] MICHELHAM. 



Horsebridge [Hentbrldge], 5, 6, 7, 245, 

250, 255, 256. 

Horseye, 15, 71, 72, 79, 96, 154, 166, 184, 

186, 274. 
Hothlands, 257. 
Housefleld, 61. 
Hya, 184. 

Icklesham, 135, 184. 

Isfield, 269. 

iHenhuTBt, 144, 202, 204, 228, 245, 250, 

251, 252. 
Isle Land, 88. 
IvenikkeBham, 22, 23, 89, 90. 

JaneatWish, 70. 

Jesshams, 147. 

Jesus Marsh, 250. 

Jevington, 27, 159, 179, 189, 202, 203, 

204, 206, 207, 209, 246, 250, 

251, 273. 
Jordane, 27, 28, 29, 82, 167. 
Joyeshouse, 27, 28, 29, 89. 
Joyes Marsh, 27, 29, 71, 151. 

Katherine, St., Hospital of, 216. 

KeUe, 202, 246, 250. 

Kenerede, 184. 

Kennington, 136. 

Keymer, 271. 

Kilbroke [Kylbeck], 245, 250. 

Kings Acre, 87. 

Kings Wish, 84, 87, 88, 150. 

Kings Brook, 6. 

" King's Head," the, 16. 

Kippings Marsh, 81, 83, 86. 

Kirby Croft, 13, 149, 168. 

Kitchen Lands, 71. 

Knapsairs Bridge, 70. 

Knaves Acres, 3. 

Knock-Hatch, 2, 13, 16, 92, 93, 147, 162, 

202, 246, 250, 253. 
KnoUe, 80, 83. 
Kymindon, 204. 

Lachewysshe, 188. 

Lady Marsh, Upper and Nether, 111. 

Lamberhurst, 129. 

Lambs Marsh, 85, 88. 

Lamelease, 80, 245. 

Lammersloud, 93. 

Lamporte, 184. 

Lancaster, Duchy of, 6, 52, 88, 188, 225, 

247. 
Landrich, 204. 
Laneys Marsh, 250. 
Langney, 21, 182, 207, 221, 236. 
Laughton [Lecton], 128, 135, 199, 200, 

217, 244, 247, 250, 251, 253. 

270, 271. 
Leamefleld, 220. 



Leap Cross [Lepecronche], 2, 12, 92, 96, 

206. 
Lepelond, 93, 206. 
Levetts, 80, 84, 
Lewens, the, 27, 71, 87, 151. 
Lewes, 48, 77, 85, 168, 185, 267, 272. 

Priory, 77, 95, 207, 211. 
Lichberde, 83. 
Lindfleld, 86. 
Litlington, 5, 6, 39. 
Long Ershams, 7, 27, 28. 
Long Marsh, 151. 
Longsawts, 250. 
Lombardes Hall, 111. 
LubbershaU, 149. 
Losemersh, 150, 245, 250. 
Lowey, the, see Pevensey. 
Lowe Wall, 253. 
Ludley, 91, 153, 154, 155, 160, 163, 167, 

172. 
Luggear, 71, 85, 87, 151. 
Lullnigton, 270. 
LymarKe, 147. 
Lymers, 148. 

Magham Down, 4, 6, 7, 19, 61, 73, 91. 
Magham [Megham], 29, 74, 75, 76, 77, 

138, 149, 174. 
Maidstone, 134, 249. 
Mailing (Kent), 268. 
Mailing, South, 99, 121, 195, 216. 
Malors Sewer, 3. 
Manders, 28, 30, 149. 
Mangle Hooks, 65. 
Manninges, 91. 
Mannslode, 91. 
Manxeye, 79, 96, 205, 245. 
MaresAeld, 131, 247, 252, 270. 
Marland, 3, 88, 101. 
Marledowne, 75. 
Marlepette, the, 92. 
Marlyngs, 250. 

Marshfoot, 4, 7, 9, 14, 148, 160.' 
Mary-in-Marisco (Cant.), St., 126. 
Matchingeft Comer, 5. 
Mauncell, 244. 
Mayfield, 48, 135, 202, 245, 268, 269, 

270, 271. 
Maystreshech, 101. 
Melgraye, 183. 
Mellonde, 75. 
Melne, 182. 
Melsfeld, 191. 
Mereshale, 165, 175. 
Mersalls, 85, 165. 
Merryfields, 147, 194, 258. 
Michelham, 44, 83, 176, 183, 199, 201, 
204, 244. 

Borough, 2)5. 

Hundred. 216, 253. 

Park-Gate Manor, 4, 51, 156, 
209,215,244,251-258. 

X 



MICHELHAM PBIOBT. 



[ 306 ] 



PBOFITTS. 



Michelham Prionr, 153. Chaps. XIY. 

—XVI. 
MiUdngflelds Comer, 5. 
Milland, 148, 151, 179, 194, 195. 
MUldown, 27, 28, 30. 
MUton, 202. 

Milton Hide, see Hide and Hake. 
Mines, the, 150. 
Moderlac, 182. 
Molecocks, 94. 
Months, 147. 

Montrigge rMuntrickes], 5, 76. 
Moorbrook [Mulbrooks J 4, 7, 17, 65, 79, 

80, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 156, 

163, 167, 194, 256. 
MorehaU, 134. 
Idors, 80. 
Morths, the, 3. 
Mortimans Comer, 6. 
Morton, Fee of, 206. 
Moryngemjll, 236. 
MoseUiys. 150. 
Mosses, 83, a5. 
Mountgombre Down, 5, 7. 
Mounts. 7, 193, 194. 
Muskettes Croft, 156. 
Myldera, 167. 
Mylfeld. 79. 

Nate Wood, 3, 257. 

Nettellsted (Kent), 131, 265. 

New Bridge, 4, 5, 6, 7, 151. 

Newgate, 191. 

Newmarsh, 51. 

Nicholas-in-the-Shambles, St., 127. 

Ninfleld, 91, 113, 121, 134. 

Northamtons, 147. 

Northease, 214. 

North Heath, 148. 

North Lea, 147, 148. 

Northiam, 272. 

Norton, 271. 

Notebrigge, 93. 

Ockley [Ockling], 5, 6, 147, 148. 
Olave's, St. (Surrey), 139. 
Old Court, 208, 250. 
Oldhowse land, 29. 
Old Land, 88. 
Old Parke, 250. 
Ombeford, 73, 90. 
Osbumes, 85. 

Otham, 44, 51, 80, 85, 90, 102, 105, 129, 
150, 154, 158, 163, 164, 165, 
172, 184, 250, 273. 
Abbey, 74, 103, 157. Chap. 

XII. 
Castelry, 7, 183. 
Chapel, 179, 186, 188, 189, 190. 
Fair, 186, 187. 

Manor, 176, 188, 189. Chap. 
XIII. 



Otham Quarter, 7, 79. 
Oxford, Christ Church Coll., 109, 129, 
132, 191. 

Pachepette, 74. 
Pages Beer, 70. 
Panne, 245. 
Parkland, 256, 257. 
Parsonage field, 11, 52, 107, 148, 169. 
Parsons Marsh, 151: 
Partridge Thom, 179, 194. 
Peel House, 17, 70. 
Pelship, 151. 
PeUsers, 169. 
Perifield, 111. 
Perry crofts, 27, 28, 72. 
Pevensey, 175, 179, 182, 183, 199, 217, 
223 267. 

Castie, 37," 39, 67, 89, 176, 178, 
188, 274. 

Chapel, 89. 

Hundred. 20, 79, 88. 

Liberty [Lowey], 4, 15, 21, 52, 
67, 79. 81, 142, 144, 154, 170, 
187, 203, 220, 270. 

Port, 155, 184, 218. 

Prison, 219. 
Peake, the. 111. 
Peche, 182. 
Pekelea, 185. 
Pickfield, 80, 245, 250. 
Pickfurrs. 51. 
Picks, the. 150. 
Pikehay, 24, 26, 226. 
Pykegate, 92. 
Pykestritts. 191. 
Piddinghoe, 77. 
Pigmeares, 156. 
Pimms, 148. 
Pitfleld, 250. 
Flattens, 70. 
Playeslond, 247. 
Plenties, 94. 
Plodye, 70. 150, 151. 
Plumers, 148, 151. 
Plumpton, 135. 
Plumtree Marsh, 87. 
Polegate. 4, 5, 6, 17, 19, 51, 61. 77, 149, 

169, 179, 194. 
Pontyslond, 76. 
Pookhold, 147. 
Pooles, the, 149. 255. 
Portreeve HaU, 71, 82, 85. 
Potterecroft, 155, 256. 
Pottgate, 51. 
Poundfields [Pondfoldefeld], 51, 84, 87, 

88, 148, 151. 
Prescotts Marsh, 85. 
Preston, 35. 
Presty Land, 88. 
Priest Hawes, 71, 183, 205. 
Profltts, 151. 



RADMELL-BEVERINGTON. [ 307 ] WE8TFIELD. 



Radmell-BeveTington, 91, 250. 

Ramecinges, 70. 

Bamsbye, 111. 

Ratton, 20, 26. 

Readers, 85. 

Readings, the, 149. 

Reale, the, 86. 

Reden, the, 5, 6. 

Red Dyke [la Redediche], 179. 

Redgat, 159. 

Reylond, 245. 

Rickney, 15, 71, 84, 87. 

Ridwells, 148. 

Ringmer, 271, 272. 

Ripe, 41, 208, 211, 234, 235, 267, 269, 

270 271. 
Robertfibridge' Abbey, 182, 234, 274. 
Robin Post Lane, 2, 17. 
Rodmell. 126. 
Rosegardeyn, the, 76. 
"Rose Taveme," the, 127. 
Rotherfield, 120, 135, 269, 270, 272. 
Ruff Lands, 149. 
Runting Down, 70. 
Rushbrooke, 84, 86, 87, 88. 
Roshey Mai-sh, 51, 148. 
Rye, 139. 

Sackfield garden, 5, 6. 

Saltmarsh [Shaldmersh], 17, 27, 28, 80, 

84, 87, 244, 253. 
Salts, the, 151, 250. 
Sayerland [Sereland], 4, 17, 81, 102. 

150, 159. 
Scoperedes, 93. 
Scorewells, 3, 149. 

Beaford, 201, 207, 209, 236, 244, 268. 
Sealand, 87, 88. 
Sebrands, 245. 
Seedinglegge, 91. 
Sellonds, 92. 
Selmeston, 235, 269, 271. 
Sessingham, 176, 200. 
Heztrey lands, 155, 252. 
Shadwells comer, 6, 151. 
Shamfolde, 27, 244, 245, 247, 251, 252. 
Shiplake, 37. 
Shoreham, 123, 202. 
Sidenore, 202. 
Sirstreete Borough, 221. 
Six Acres, 111. 
Skokisloye, 206. 
Skyers, 245. 
Suapsons Droye, 70, 81. 
Somerswysshe, 70, 188. 
Sorrell fields, 72. 
Southese, 93. 
Southlease, 88. 
Spelterche, 202. 
Sperton, 153. 
Spiggotts Marsh, 70. 
^hidle Bridge, 2, 90. 



Spy Marsh, 150. 

Squabs Brook [Skobbe], 76, 149, 168. 

Stamash [StenierssheJ, 5, 93, 94, 225. 

Stocks, 2<, 28, 111, 147, 166. 

Stonecross, 83, 179. 

Stoneylane, 9, 10. 

Rtoneylands, 70, 166. 

Stontismarsh, 83. 

Summer Hill, 7, 17, 18. 

Sutton, 207, 209, 221, 229, 244, 246, 247. 

"Swan,'' the, 7,72. 

Tanners, 6, 85, 245. 

Tattersalls, 147. 

Tealmarsh, 110, 147. 

Thatchers land, 82, 85, 151. 

Thawyers, 147, 151. 

Thille, see DiU. 

Thistlefield, 85. 

Thome, 176, 177, 179. 

Thomcroft, 203. 

Thunders, 194. 

Ticehurst. 271, 272. 

Tiches, 203. 

TUehurst [Tiled house], 12, 16, 147, 149, 

200 253. 
Tilton [Telitone], *174, 175, 176, 182, 

273. 
Tolls, the, 194. 
Tortington Priory, 231, 233. 
Totts, the, 194. 
Trendle Grove, 28. 
Tunbells, 151. 
Tunmannes, 206. 
Twisele, 179. 

Uckfleld, 235. 
Uplands comer, 6. 
Upton Bams, 28. 

Vemons, 148. 
Vigors, 148, 149. 
VinaUs, 6, 91, 147. 
Viney Croft, 149, 168. 
Vurgines, 71. 

Wadhurst, 256, 270. 

Waldron, 44, 208, 267, 268, 270, 275. 

Wall, the, 85. 

WaUands, 5, 6, 7. 150, 221, 246. 

Wanmore, 5, 7, 149. 

Wannock, 5, 6, 252, 253. 

Warbleton, 48, 81, 199, 269, 271. 

Wardes, 85. 

Warefield, 203. 

Wartling, 21, 269, 272. 

Warwick Lane, 3, 250. 

Warwysshe, 250. 

Westcroft, 150. 

West Dean, 74, 173, 175, 270. 

Westfleld, 166. 



WE8THAM. 



[ 308 ] 



WY8EKE. 



Weetham, 21, 71, 79, 83, 96, 130, 131, 
132, 191, 202, 205, 206, 208, 
209, 223, 236, 268. 
Church. 80, 131, 

Whatlington. 170. 

Whelplye [Wholpole], 91, 110, 111. 

WhUew Hm, 169. 

White Dyke. 4, 7, 15, 29, 70, 84, 86, 126, 
168. 

Whitemerehe, 82, 156. 

Whitelandfi f Widelands], 92, 93, 95. 

WhiteweU, 203. 

Wick Street, 200. 

Widiez, 82. 

Wadcroftfi, 150. 

Wilesham, 74. 

WiUingdon [Wilendune]. 4, 27, 37, 88, 
89, 90, 199, 202, 203, 206, 
207, 208, 236, 247, 269. 



WiUingdon Ghnich, 90, 127, 176. 
Willowes, the, 71, 85. 
Willpins, 61, 148. 
Wilmington, 17. 

Fee, 92, 93, 221. 

Priory, 14, 95, 176, 198, 222, 
275 
Winchelsea, 96, 129, 170, 215. 
Windebeche, 202. 
Windsor, College of, 109. 
Wingeton, 39. 
Withiham, 132, 133. 
WivelBfield, 135. 
Wobum Gutt, 5. 
Wooton [Wudington], 5, 185. 
Woovers, 27, 28, 156. 
Worth, 126. 
Wrenham, 245. 
Wyaeke, 183. 



Farncombe & Co., Limited, Printers, Lewes.